1. Jealousy
Whether one partner obsessively looks at the other's social media activity, or they're convinced that their partner's business trips are part of an affair, jealousy can break down a relationship fast — regardless of whether the emotions are based on rational facts or irrational fears.
2. Addiction
From alcohol abuse and pornography addiction to gambling and obsessive smartphone checking, substance abuse and behavioral addictions take a toll on relationships. Quite often the partner without the addiction is the first to seek help.
3. Infidelity
An affair can stir up anger, hurt, resentment, and betrayal that can't always be healed. But some couples report growing stronger after incidents of infidelity. When both partners are committed to healing the relationship, professional treatment is often successful in helping a couple move forward.
4. Division of labor
Although cooking, cleaning, and errands seem like small issues on the surface, division of labor can be a major issue over the course of a relationship. The partner who feels as though they do the most work may grow angry and resentful of the other, which can lead to daily disagreements that add up over time.
5. Money
Whether one person is naturally a "saver" and the other is a "spender," or a couple just isn't on the same page about how much to spend on major purchases, financial disagreements can add a lot of stress to the relationship. When left unchecked, the divide over money can get wider over time, which can tear a couple apart.
6. Parenting
From determining how many kids to have, to deciding how to discipline kids in the best way, parenting issues can be a big source of strife. One parent may try to win the kids' favor or may overcompensate for the perceived parenting mistakes of the other. These maneuvers often shift the hierarchy in the home, as a couple begins to work against each other rather than as a team.
7. Family of origin problems
Parent and in-law issues are one of the biggest complaints couples have. It's common for one partner to want less contact with the other's family, or for one person to want their partner to be more involved with their extended family's activities.
8. Value differences
Sometimes couples overlook their differences in values early on. One might value education or family more than the other. Or they may think that they can overcome differences in how much they value time alone versus time with friends. In other instances, their values change over time, and their relationship grows turbulent as a result. Learning to live with value differences, as opposed to trying to change the other person, often becomes a focus of therapy.
9. Communication
From minimizing one another's feelings to dodging difficult topics, communication problems can weaken relationships. Couples who struggle to communicate are likely to hurt each other's feelings often — and without help, they may never understand one another's needs.
10. Permission to get divorced
Often couples seek professional help because they want reassurance that they should get divorced. While some may feel guilty about splitting up, others want to be able to say, "We tried everything" — even if they aren't really trying to reconcile. Instead, they are hoping a professional can affirm that parting ways is a good decision.
How to find help
If you're questioning whether couples counseling could help your relationship, maybe you should err on the side of caution. Reach out to a trained professional who can assist you in strengthening your partnership. Sometimes, a few sessions might be all you need to get back on track.
If your partner isn't interested in couples counseling, then go by yourself. You might find talking to a therapist on your own will help you to create positive change in your relationship.