I’m Dr. Michelle for Webihealth. In the last segment, I told you about the type of communication that leads to healthy relationships. By using those tools, you can learn how to manage almost any issue. The top five most common problems that come up with couples are, money, sex, work, kids and housework. A recent study found that more than 70 per cent of couples talk to their partner about money at least once a week and they fight most often about debt and unresponsible spending. Sex can be the most wonderful thing that brings a couple together or it can be withheld to punish or manipulate a partner. And with our hectic lifestyles, sex can get put off too easily. Its important to tell your partner what type of affection and lovemaking you would like from them… don’t make them guess; and avoid critizing them. In terms of work, couples need to agree or compromise on how much time each wants or needs to devote to a career and how to manage your expenses. If you have kids, this brings up a whole new bag of problems. Before you have children, it’s important to understand and compromise on eachother’s beliefs on discipline and how to set good role models. Household chores are another source of conflict for couples, not because of the actual tasks, but because of their underlying meaning. Fights about chores are often about unfilled needs for respect. If one partner feels they are putting in more effort around the house it may make them feel the other person doesn’t respect them enough to help out. It also brings up issues of power, especially if the person making more money feels they shouldn’t have to pitch in as much around the house.

Compromise on who is willing to do what and when.

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