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The answer to why relationships fail is not cut and dry. The breakdown of a relationship can be caused by any number of factors, or a combination of several. If action isn't taken to fix problems as they arise, a relationship can quickly deteriorate beyond the point of repair.

Many failed relationships are the result of not really knowing your partner. Far too often people get caught up in the excitement and passion of a new relationship. With little thought or planning they jump into marriage or a common law partnership. Before long they realize they've made a commitment to a relative stranger. Let's face it, even Ted Bundy could pull off charming for a short period. It takes time to truly know someone, beyond the endearing qualities they present in the beginning. With time comes the realization that they're incompatible, exhibit unacceptable behavior, or really weren't in love in the first place.

Divorce seems to be the norm nowadays, rather than the exception. When conflict arises within the relationship people are too eager to invest in a lawyer and head for divorce court, rather than invest the time and energy needed to make it work. A marriage needs effort, compromise and sacrifice to be successful. Nobody ever said it was easy, but a resolution should at least be attempted. The vow is, till death do us part, not, till he does something to make me mad.

Communication is a key element in any relationship. Each partner must be able to effectively communicate their wants, needs and desires to the other. A relationship without communication is like a car without tires, it simply can't proceed. Listening is involved in communication as well. To know what your partner wants or needs, you have to really hear what they're saying, not just be present when the conversation takes place. When the lines of communication are severed, the entire relationship short circuits.

Infidelity almost always leads to the failure of a relationship. A partner may find it impossible to trust the other after they have cheated. In many cases though, the infidelity really isn't about the sex. The partner who is cheating may be seeking something that is lacking in the relationship. The need for attention, validation, support or companionship can cause someone to look outside of the relationship to find it. If these issues were addressed, the infidelity would never occur in the first place.

Only the people involved in the relationship know for sure what lead to it's failure. Working as partners can help to keep a relationship in tact. When the going gets tough, the tough get going, together.

Learn more about this author, Erin Knight.
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