The 5 key areas of conflict in relationships: In laws

It is easy to get caught up in the demands of life to find we are living our lives narrowly focusing on work or home, and we forget or neglect ourselves and our marriage. Don't allow the daily grind to become the focus to the exclusion of your marriage.

Finances, Work (in and out of the house), Sex, In Laws and Children are the five big areas that dominate conflict in most relationships. Ensuring timely and open communication and pragmatic approaches to discussing issues that arise will ensure our relationship is sustained for the long-term.

The most important thing you can start doing is looking after yourself by focusing on these five areas. You don't have to get it right the first time. This is part of life's journey of learning and developing. You will get there if you are willing to invest the time and effort. Be proactive and do this for your relationship today.

This series of blog posts explores each of the five big areas for conflict in relationships, emphasising that by taking intentional steps to discuss and resolve these issues, they will have a lasting effect.

4. In Laws: If much of the conflict that occurs in your relationship arises out of conflicting expectations, uncover them and discuss a solution. Draw your family tree and discuss the various relationships. Work towards a shared understanding of how and when these interactions will take place and when you will have one-on-one and family time.

• Discuss family, those interactions and feelings regularly (weekly). Debrief every family occasion and family holiday. Keep the lines of communication open and support your partner. The ties of family are often deep. Work with your partner and ensure they are number one.

Through continued commitment and loyalty we can tackle the ups and downs of our relationship together.

Tune in next week for more tips and ideas related to the 5 key areas of conflict in relationships..

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM.

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Written by Shane Smith