25 Ways To Save A Relationship That Is Falling Apart

Couple having a deep conversation to mend their relationship

Image: Shutterstock

Building a happy and successful relationship is not always easy. Sometimes, when it seems to be sinking, you may wonder how to save a relationship. Most people who are in a relationship put in a great deal of effort to make it work.

It is common to have minor disputes in a relationship due to factors such as trust issues, miscommunication, and unresolved problems. Nevertheless, if you are going through a rough patch in your relationship, having the right approach could help bring things back to normal. However, you can ultimately only save a relationship when both partners decide to make it work.

Read on as we share some useful tips to help save your relationship and deal with a fallout.

In This Article

25 Ways To Save Your Relationship

  1. Discuss needs and expectations: Everyone has different needs and expectations, whether it is related to life, career, or relationship. Often, when these needs are unmet, people can become unhappy. Discuss your expectations honestly, negotiaten or make adjustments, and support each other to meet these needs.
  1. Rekindle your friendship:In a healthy relationship, kindness and generosity are important in maintaining both passion and friendship. If, somehow, the tie of friendship is broken, reinvigorate that connection. It will help develop a sense of satisfaction and overall positivity.
protip_icon Point to consider
A relationship requires effort from both sides to make it work. Even if one overlooks or fails to invest, the relationship can go south.
  1. Make time for each other: With all the hustle and bustle of the workplace or home, sometimes you may forget to spend quality time together. Prioritize your partner and regularly plan movie nights, dates, activities, or outings to keep the fun and humor alive.
Regularly plan movie nights or dates with your partner

Image: IStock

  1. Do not try to change your partner: Flexibility is the most important thing in a relationship when it comes to accepting each other in a relationship. It’s essential to understand that you should not try to change your partner and instead accept each other, including the good and the bad. Try to identify each other’s uniqueness, strengths, and weaknesses, and overcome your differences. You can work at understanding them better and try to grow together.
  1. Ask what you can do for each other: Ask your partner how you can help or what you can do to make things better. This way, you can change habits or behaviors that bother your partner, avoiding resentment and anger. This will also show that you are willing to make the relationship work.
  1. Do things together: Find exciting and new things to do together. Go on little adventures, take trips, plan surprises, or take up new hobbies together. Trying new things will help bring back the passion and romance in your relationship.
  1. Show affection: Often, people forget to display affection—holding hands, a warm cuddle, or a peck on the cheek. It is important to express love through actions to show care and closeness to your partner.
  1. Take responsibility: If you are at fault, take full responsibility for your actions. Don’t try to put the blame on your partner or justify your mistake, and do not resort to self-hatred either.
  1. Be transparent: Honesty and transparency is important in a relationship. Essentially, you need to be upfront and true to yourself. Instead of holding back on your emotions, talk to your partner, and figure out what hurt you both.
  1. Plan couple meetings: You may brush off important issues under the rug, leading to unresolved discussions. Have weekly couple meetings to talk about difficult topics, including money, trust, or future planning.
Plan couple meetings to discuss important topics

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Be accommodating: Compromise is not a sign of weakness. A relationship always works on give and take. Be accommodating and adjust to each other’s preferences without sacrificing your happiness.
  1. Spend time with your friends: Spending time with your partner is essential, but you should also take time out for your friends. It will help you build personal identity and improve your emotional health, helping you maintain a healthy relationship with your partner.
  1. Have a meaningful relation: A relationship is not just about sweeping the other person off the feet or big gestures. It is vital to have a meaningful and satisfying relationship that connects you both on a deeper level. It should involve mutual respect and support, offer you a sense of security, and allow you to be true to yourself.
  1. Appreciate each other: A thank you can do wonders. At times, you may fail to notice the things your partner does to help you—things like helping you with a meal, dropping you off at work, or cleaning your closet. Express your gratitude and appreciation for the little things they do for you.
  1. Have open communication: Openness to both speaking from your heart and listening to your partner’s point of view is essential in a relationship.Two-way, honest communication can help both of you share emotions, aspirations, and intentions without the fear of being judged.
Have two-way, honest communication with your partner

Image: IStock

  1. Look at the positives: If you are always looking at the downsides or negatives in your partner and relationship, you are headed for a downward spiral. Look at the positives and what your partner does right to build a healthy and happy relationship.
  1. Learn to let go: Practice forgiveness and learn to let go of the past. You both will make mistakes during the relationship, but make sure to work through your underlying issues. This will help avoid resentment and misunderstanding.
  1. Don’t argue to win: Respectful arguments are crucial in maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner. During disagreements with your partner, do not make it a point to win against your partner. Do not lose respect for each other in such arguments. If your partner feels that they have lost, it can only lead to more resentment and anger.
  1. Respect boundaries: Manage each other’s expectations, and set relationship rules and boundaries related to exclusivity and commitment. Being upfront, therefore, can help avoid a fallout.
  1. Be a good listener: Respect your partner’s opinions and advice. Patience is a key element in listening to your partner’s point of view. It’s important to listen to them patiently, with empathy, without bias, and with an open mind. Give them your full attention so they know their words are valued.
  1. Maintain physical intimacy: Discussing sexual needs or intimacy issues can be a challenging topic for many. If you both are struggling with intimacy, then put in the effort and discuss your needs. It is important to connect on a deeper level for a long-lasting relationship.
Discuss your sexual needs with your partner

Image: IStock

  1. Give your partner time and space: If your relationship needs saving due to a breach of trust, give your partner time to restore that trust. Your desire to make the relationship work alone cannot make everything right. You need to put in a great deal of effort to win their trust back.
  1. Do not argue over finances: Disagreements over money matters, including investments, debts, or earnings, can sometimes lead to more significant cracks in a relationship. Talk, find a middle ground, and set your financial goals. It is important to maintain transparency in such matters.
  1. Get rid of external influences: Often, the not-so-positive external influences, including social acquaintances or family members, can affect a relationship. Keep your relationship intimate and private and avoid seeping negative thoughts from outside. Instead of sharing your expectations or experiences with everyone, keep the details for your partner.
  1. Seek professional help: Don’t shy away from seeking therapy or professional help if your relationship needs mending. Deep-rooted issues or issues related to breach of trust may require guided counseling.
protip_icon Point to consider
There are no right or wrong reasons to break up. For example, if your wavelength doesn’t match, it is better to move on instead of struggling to get along.
Seek professional help to know how to save a relationship

Image: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the five steps to fix a relationship?

If you truly want to repair your relationship, you can start by admitting your errors and reflecting on what went wrong. Give your partner the time and space they desire and ensure the past mistakes are not repeated. Lastly, if nothing works, consult a therapist

2. Is it too late to save a relationship?

It is not too late to save a relationship if you can still communicate with your partner. When you realize that your feelings for your partner are genuine and you don’t want to part ways with them, it’s time to take action actively and sincerely try to save your love life.

3. Is it worth trying to save a relationship?

Despite everything that has happened in your relationship, both good and bad, if you love your partner and do not want to break up, it is worthwhile to try to save the relationship. If you are emotionally detached and unsure about your feelings, or if professional help is ineffective, it is better to be separated than to try to save the relationship.

Wondering how to save a relationship? Fret not! A relationship needs constant efforts from both partners to ensure it’s long-lasting and healthy. However, it is also vital to evaluate whether all the efforts you are putting in are worth it. Ensuring that you take out enough time for each other from your daily schedules and discuss your needs and expectations will help you save the relationship and rekindle the love and spark you had for each other.

Infographic: Signs Your Relationship Is Worth Saving

You might be going through a difficult phase in your relationship and sometimes wish for a breakup. However, if you are still apprehensive of this feeling and yearn to be with your partner, perhaps your relationship is worth saving. This infographic highlights some points that will help you decide whether or not you should try saving your relationship.

signs your relationship is worth saving (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • The key to a healthy relationship is accepting your partner the way they are.
  • Be proactive in discussing your expectations.
  • Spend more time with each other and bring back the spark.

Illustration: Ways To Save A Relationship That Is Falling Apart

how to save a relationship_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team


If you want to save your relationship from falling apart, here are some invaluable tips and expert guidance on cultivating a robust and harmonious connection that withstands challenges.

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Rhasheda Lawery
Rhasheda LaweryMA (Psychology)
Rhasheda is a certified love and relationship expert with a history of successfully helping women attract and keep the love they deserve. She runs a private practice, serving a global clientele that includes CEOs, attorneys, entrepreneurs, surgeons, and actors, among others.

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Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in the field of content writing and editing.

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Benidamika holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Assam Don Bosco University and another masters degree in English Literature from North Eastern Hill University. At MomJunction, Benidamika writes on human psychology and relationships.

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