A relationship shouldn’t be a constant challenge. If that’s the case, perhaps you and your honey might not be right for each other. There are instances, though, where relationships are challenging not because of incompatibility, but because of other little, buggy things, like distance, language barriers, or even cultural traditions. These things, however, can turn into a full-blown problem that may just end your relationship completely when left unchecked. There aren’t any real long-term solutions to these problems, except some truly excellent communication and flexibility, but there are a few quick fixes to help you get through some rough days, and hopefully, may aid you in your quest to resolve them entirely!
Big Bad Barrier: Distance
Just mention the phrase “long-distance relationship” and watch the masses cringe. Long-distance relationships are work, and people hate work, so you’ll find this to be a dealbreaker for many people. If you’re in one right now, though, good on you! It shows you’ve already got the gumption and desire to keep your relationship together. While there’s no substitute for physical interaction, just talking on the phone or skyping your partner helps. If you’re looking to shake up that routine and rekindle that romantic desire, check out the Couple app for iPhone and Android. It allows you to keep all your cute photos and messages in one place and provides geolocation so you can always keep tabs on your boo (though if you start using this tool obsessively it might suggest a little relationship evaluation is in order).
Big Bad Barrier: Language
If you’re in a relationship, chances are, the two of you communicate and understand each other just fine. Your partner may, however, have some family members or friends that don’t speak English (or whatever your native language may be) as well as you do, which makes getting along a bit of a task. If you want to get right along to the bonding, check out the iVoice Translator Pro app for iPhone and Android. It’s a simple translation app that allows the other person to respond back into the app immediately, so the conversation doesn’t have to take all day. There are tons of other apps like this out there, but this one is said to have the easiest to use interface.
Big Bad Barrier: Cultural Traditions
If the two of you are officially together, there is most likely no issue with the both of you being from different backgrounds or religions. In which case, this barrier is simply one of just not knowing how the other’s culture is celebrated. The key is forgetting what you think you know and being open-minded. Get your hands dirty in the kitchen and ask your partner to teach you how to cook an authentic dish! Or, dedicate a night for each of you to explain and showcase your culture. Of course, you don’t have to make such a big deal of it, you can always just sit down and learn, whether it be through communication, books, or television. Don’t be afraid of your differences, they are what make your relationship rich and full!
