Relationship trouble :(

June 28, 2009 6:09pm CST
I've been with my girlfriend now for almost 21 months now and have been very happy with the relationship. For the most, it's been the best 21 months of my life, and i love her to pieces. Recently however we've been arguing alot, mainly falling out about stupid little things and then it just escalates and we end up properly falling out. It's getting to the point now where the bad is beginning to outweigh the good and im having some serious doubts as we've tried to get past arguing without much success. It's incredibly difficult to even consider breaking up but the thought has crossed my mind. Is it just a rough patch? Can anyone give me advice how to get through this? like has anyone experienced anything simular? And ultimately should i break up with her?
5 people like this
24 responses
• United States
29 Jun 09
You have to ask yourself is this worth it. do you see yourself with her. If so, then sit her down and tell her how all this bickering is doing to you and your love for her. Maybe you two can get some help.A third party to referee for the fights.Good Luck.
• United States
29 Jun 09
Time for professional help. A counselor can tell you which things to do so it doesn't snowball. It is obvious that you both don't want to part. So the next step is to get you some help.There should be a couples therapist in you area. Good Luck. Hold on to her.You really love her.
• United States
29 Jun 09
Let me know how it goes. Take care.
29 Jun 09
Again, thank you for the advice :) it's definately worth a go im willing to try whatever to make it work
1 person likes this
29 Jun 09
I was in a relationship for over 4 years with a girl i loved to bits. She was also my first love and i thought she was "the one" After the first 2 years though, it started to get pretty boring. You kinda get in a routine, and day to day is always the same. Anyways after having it drag out another 2 years, i eventually found out she had been cheating on me for over a year!! When i found that out i thought my life was over. The pain was immense and the only way i could comfort myself was drinking. After a very tedious 8 months, i eventually got over her. It was weird, it just seemed to happen. Now ive been single for a while, it feels so much better! If you guys are arguin over the smallest thing, its probably a good sign that it wont work. Unless your both willing to put in a lot of work and effort to fix it, it will never change. Its probably best to get out now, because the longer it goes on, the harder it will get! Good luck
29 Jun 09
Ah man im sorry to hear, cheating is never cool, :( but i definately agree with alot of what you said, and you seem to understand my concerns. Its been happening for sometime now so im questioning if it will stop, and you as an example show that sometimes moving on is for the best, which is why its so tricky! i dont want to throw this away cheaply without fighting for the relationship and her, but there is definaltey a part of me saying the longer this goes on the harder it'll be, and the long term pain will be even worse. I dont think there is an easy answer as to what to do, and either decision could ultimately be the wrong one. thanks very much for the advice though :)
1 person likes this
29 Jun 09
Well you gotta remember, theres millions more people to be met, and plenty more experiences to be had! Sure there will be things you would miss if you split up with your current girlfriend, however i can guarantee there are other things you could and will do with other people that you would never do with your current girlfriend. Every person is different, so if it did come to you splitting up with her, you should always remember that the next person will be a whole new experience, and there probably will be something different that you will love! If you stay together, you both really have to talk and tell each other exactly what your thinking. Be totally truthfull and tell her what you expect from her and what you want from the relationship, and she should do the same with you. IF either of you think that its asking to much, or you both disagree on a lot of things, then its certainly the best thing to walk away and move on. The last thing you want is for it to get worse, and one of you end up cheating on each other out of rage, boredom or anything really. Also its better to get out of a relationship with your confidence and self esteem intact. It took me ageees to get a decent level of confidence back because i always thought the reason she cheated on me was because i wasnt good enough. Hope this helps a bit more :)
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
29 Jun 09
As a woman, I can tell you that you really need to talk about the things that are on your mind when you are both in a calmer mood. You can initiate the conversation, just don't go about it in an accussatory way. Just as that would put you on the defensive, it would her too. My husband and I went through a period like that, too the point where I think we were both almost ready to walk away from it all. That all ended one night when we were up late and I just began talking ot him. As it turned out, we both had a few things that we needed to get off of our chests and after it was all said and done, we didn't fight while we were talking and we ended up feeling closer and like we were really a couple. Chances are there are some underlying issues that you both have on your minds that is causing the little things to become bigger thigns. If you want this to work and the fighting to stop, you have to be willing to not only talk, but to allow her to talk and realy listen. You can start a conversation with something like, "I know that we have been arguing a lot lately and I was just wondering if there is something that is on your mind that you want to tell me." Let her know that you will listen to all she has to say without becoming defensive or accussatory. Once the conversation is over, then you both know what the other is thinking and from there, you can really work on the issues. For example, if she tells you that she feels that you don't help her clean the house enough, you can make a solid effort to help out more. I am not saying that is the case, I am only using that as an example. I wish you luck with this, and I am sure that if you go about it in the right manner, everything will be fine in the end.
29 Jun 09
Thankyou for your advice, i do know we need to talk about things :) Its nice to know you and your husband got through a simular thing, and all the best to you both :) I guess talking about it is the best policy, thanks for the positive words i very much appreciate them :)
• Philippines
29 Jun 09
Hey man , don't worry... Can't you see it? You guys totally love each other! You get mad at a small mistake and she gets mad at a small mistake you make. SMALL THINGS MAN... you guys get mad at each other because it's simply the fact that you are expecting something better from each other. Try to like...go out for a long trip on the road and relax with each other. Try that man and never ever do the same mistake I did... I broke up... how did I know I made a mistake? She's still in love with me and I'm still in love with her but we are moving in two separated roads. Don't fall and let go of the rope man. Be strong if you really are serious. Good luck man.
29 Jun 09
Cheers :) I completely agree if i broke up wth her i would always be left asking the question, what if, and wondering about what could have been.. So thankyou. And i gotta ask, if youre still in love with this girl and she is still in love with you then whats to stop you too? Surely love conquers all right?
@pickoy (733)
• Philippines
29 Jun 09
Your relationship is way too young, its normal to have those coz both of you are trying to adjust. If you'll give up so easily, all your future relationships will turn out the same until you learn how to fix things and not just give up on them when things go out of hand. This is just a little misunderstanding or miscommunication. So long as both of you are willing to fix things, everything is possible. If you really love her like you said you do, you'll definitely miss her if you let her go coz you never give it a chance... if you let her go and you find her again things will change.
29 Jun 09
I know, i could never imagine breaking up with her over something so small it would not be worth it. And i agree i would miss her so much which is why i realistically couldnt imagine splitting up. I think we just need to get through this rough patch :)
• Switzerland
28 Jun 09
All of us experienced or will be experiencing trouble in terms of our relationship, be it with girlfriend, boyfriend, purely friends and even parents and relatives. But troubles complete the puzzle of LIFE. If there is no trouble, there is no challenge to face. So cheer up and live your life. More or less, you must make the first move since you know what to think because I can surely believe that you can handle a good relationship by showing or posting here and encounraging us to respond on this issue of yours. You are intelligent and show her that simple things have simple solutions. How much more when you get married. There are more serious problems to face. Believe in yourself and do not give up. Adviser, Jeff Hehehe
28 Jun 09
Thankyou that cheered me up :) i know its the whole "nothing worth having comes easy" cliche, and you've gotta work for something worth having. And i agree you should cheer up and live you life, it's just tricky knowing whether or not the way to be happy is with her or if its time to move on. Much appreciate the advice, many thanks!
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
29 Jun 09
i experienced the same thing with my hubby... and it had been happening to me for more than 3 years now... but let me tell you something... if you really love your gf, then you won't give her up just because of this matter... you have to ask yourselves... are the matters you are arguing with her trivial or they can be avoided??? most of the time, it only takes one party to keep quiet to stop the argument... like what you say in your post, you are arguing about stupid little things which then escalates... why don't straight away put a stop on the argument when it just started by walking away from her or keeping silent before it escalates??? this really helps from my experience... both of you are adults and i think anything can be sorted if you really love her... good luck... take care and have a nice day...
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
29 Jun 09
Don't think towards ending the relationship...think towards saving the relationship. There must be something bothering your love, and you NEED to sit down with her and find out what the problem is. Too many people take the easy way out of a situation, by ending a relationship rather than trying to make things work by discussing the problems like sane rational people. Often times its the little problems that aren't thought to be worth discussing that will blow a relationship apart. It could be problems on the job, a habit you might have, money problems, family problems...the list could go on forever. No matter what the reason is, LISTEN to her, don't get upset at what she might have to say, and keep the discussion on an even plane without allowing either of you to get upset to the point that the discussion turns ugly and becomes an argument. It might be tough, but if you love her as much as you say you do and want the relationship to work, listen and accept what she has to say with the maturity and compassion that is needed. Sometimes we allow the hurt from a small critisim to get in the way of fixing the problem. I presently have a wonderful boy friend that I adore and would move heaven and earth for, but the biggest problem is that he won't stop and discuss a problem with me. He just swallows the problem and keeps on going. We have had problems that we have discussed through and have both worked at getting the problem fixed...we both accept the fact that we aren't perfect which helps a lot. I don't want to lose him, so I am very willing to make the changes needed to make him happy. Some of the changes haven't been easy, but in any relationship it is worth the hard work to keep the love of your life happy.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
29 Jun 09
It's hard to say. All depends on how much both of you want things to work. Sometimes little things snowball into larger things and it is hard to move on from past hurts and sharp words. Maybe a little break from each might help you.
@mzj033y (185)
• United States
29 Jun 09
That is almost 2 years, I believe you guys can get past whatever difficult situation is ahead of you. Who don't argue when they are in a relationship? Before getting to the conclusion of breaking up, I truly believe that you should talk to your girlfriend and see if there's a way to clear things up. It's indeed a long time, don't let little things get into your way. Whenever you get into an argument maybe you can take the initative and say look we got to settle down. Try to find solution for the problem together. You even said you love her so don't let it end. I wish the best to you.
• Philippines
28 Jun 09
Do you really love her? If so, talk to her. Ending a relationship that lasted almost two years is really a serious matter. You should think twice or thrice. I can understand that for men like us, it's not that easy to step out of the argument. But if that's the only way to put out the fire, then that's what you should do. Don't let a little fire grow. If it can be avoided, then avoid it. Give it a rest when you know both of you are getting in a heated argument. Talk to each after a few hours. But don't make the day pass that you're still in argument. Make sure everything's all right before the day ends. That's what I do. I've been married 3 years now. Every time I feel that there will be a heated up argument, I step out of the house to cook down. When I'm cool, that's the time I talk to my wife to settle things. I hope this works for you as well.
28 Jun 09
I really think i do :) I know it's serious and when i think about everything i'd miss it seems unthinkable. Stepping out of an argument is tough, least of all because we're both stubborn people, hence it can lead to it escalating, which is the worst thing because afterwards we'll sit down and talk about it and it seems ridiculous when we think about what it started from, and oftne we can laugh about it. I do think that stepping out is so useful and really does allow you to cool down and think clearly, bite the bullet and often diffuse the situation, its just in practice it's easier said then done. The only reason i'm concerned about this is we went about 18months like pretty much conflict free, its just recently theyve got worse and worse and really just made me concerned with how things are going.. im just not use to it! But thanks very much for the advice and congrats on be married for 3 years!
• India
29 Jun 09
Such arguments are part and parcel of every relationships which in fact add some much needed spice and verve to any relationship . If you have nothing to argue about then its too perfect and in fact its too dull . Its good that you are arguing that means you guys are still passionate about each other . But just dont let things blow out of proportion. If you guys are having excessive arguments that cleary suggests both of you are intractable in your respective opinions. One of you need to compromise . And if the other person is truly in love then he or she will definitely come to realize the sacrfices the other person is making to accomodate his or her wishes...... I will suggest you instead of letting things drift be proactive and take the first step and you will not regret it
• United States
29 Jun 09
Fighting is normal believe me I've been engaged for 8 years and I have 2 kids with a man who doesn't have the guts to marry me. Breaking up over a fight happens it all depends on why you are fighting. Do you see a future with her? No one can tell you what to do that's your choice. If you have considered breaking up with her you most likely are going too. I hope this helps
@toonvk (267)
• Belgium
29 Jun 09
Just hang on, it will get better. My girlfriend once cheated on me. And after heavy fights and arguements we even wanted to break up. But in the end I realised I loved her too much and now we are stil a couple for more than 2 years now.
• Malaysia
29 Jun 09
Sometimes we have to give in once a while so that one side will win and the fight will stop.It is no use for a person to win the whole arguement and lose the person dear to them after all right?Trust in your relationship and have faith always with one another and also talk when you are not happy with each other rather than to argue it all the way to solve it, after all when you argue doesn't mean that you will win and everything will be alright.If you want to break up with her, do think of the loves you have, if you still love one another then there are no reasons why a little arguement leads to breakups.
@lumenmom (1986)
• United States
29 Jun 09
You are so young and new to relationships. They always start out wonderful as we put our best foot forward and then as we get to know each other and get more comfortable with "letting our hair down" we see more of the true nature of the other person. That's when the real love comes in. We have to love that person "in spite of" who they are. We learn to take the bitter with the sweet and sometimes the bitter can be very bad. It sounds to me like you may just be hitting a rough spot and if you can both take some time out to recognize what is going on and finds ways to compromise it might get better. Believe me, most of us have been wheer you are and even in worst places. I would say don't give up too soon or you will run every time there is a conflict. Try to see if you can work thinsg out. If they stay bad or get worse and you don't see it getting any better after trying all you can, then you may have to consider leaving because it is also true that everyone is not meant for everybody. One of the toughest lessons to learn is when to leave and when to stay. There are no concrete rules on that so you'll have to foloow your heart and your instinct.
@parthu28 (498)
• India
29 Jun 09
hey there..... i would say i completely understand what u r going through right now....... there's nothing to worry my dear.......its just a test period for your love.if it true it will succeed after all that is happening........just think you have studied for 21 months n are going to write your exams...... i have been in a relationship for the last 6 years.......initially every relationship is happy n free of problems n arguments, slowly as we grow older our thoughts change,our situations change and our life changes substantially...... as the environment around changes our reactions tend to change and so problems creep up.but that doesn't mean there is a problem with your love.........breakup is never the solution dear.if you really love the person then i would suggest that be patient n try n not to argue or fight when the other is on the rise ..once the other becomes clam put your point n i am sure this will help to reduce the intensity of fights or arguments substantially..... if you ask me this proves that your real selves are coming out n this proves that both of you are under the process of understanding each other in the true meaning. it happens in every in every relationship.it happened to me too after 2 years of the lovey dovey version.just hold on to your partner for say 6 or 8 months then you will surely find your answers........... hop ethings get better for you as i have got my happiness after waiting for those few momnths and gong through all that u r going through ryt now
@divkris (1156)
• India
29 Jun 09
Well you seem to be serious about the relationship - so make sure you communicate it to her. Talk it out. Talking can sort things out, but make up your mind and tell yourself that the discussion is going to be positive. I think familiarity breeds to contempt many a times in relationship so try bringing in new positive changes in both your lives. Probably both of you or either of you are stress out and are trying to vent it out on each other. Sit and try to understand what is causing all the trouble. Hope things workout well between you two and you write posts that have happy faces :)
• India
29 Jun 09
Relationship malfunction! Relationships get into trouble when they stop meeting most of the needs and expectations of their members. When we discover that we are not being loved in the way we expected, it tends to get our knickers in an uproar. We may then drop subtle hints to our partner, suggesting that they come to their senses and do the right thing by giving us what we want. If they fail to become enlightened by our gentle encouragements, we often resort to more direct measures: the power struggle.
• India
29 Jun 09
Hey! it happens with everyone, its a part of life. All you gotta do is sit with her in peace and sort out your problems. Don't begin with accusing each other. First tell her that you don't want to fight but just discuss over issues, try to be calm and remember the good times you spent with her. What i think that most of your arguing can be because of lack of proper communication, try to take out more time for each other and make that quality time. Explain your issues to each other calmly and try to reach out to solutions. Don't walk off without finding a solution to your argument. The secret for a healthy relationship is that one should never sleep with an arugement on. I hope you got my point. If all this does not work out and you think that parting ways is the only solution then only you should part your ways. :) I hope i was of some help. Take care!