To Fix Or Not To Fix
Every relationship has its share of ups and downs, but there comes a point where couples must ask themselves a familiar question: do we fix what’s broken, or is it time to call it quits? If and when it comes time to answer that question, it is important to understand the situation at hand and how you got there before making any rash decisions.
There are different reasons why one may sense a shift in the relationship. Perhaps it’s always hard to come to an agreement, or there’s not enough time spent talking or being around each other.
“You can feel the atmosphere around the person is different,” said Carlos Peña, a Junior at MLEC. “When you’re with someone long enough, you can tell if something’s off.”
Sometimes these problems can be fixed, or at least worked on. If fighting’s the problem, work on communication. If the issue is not spending time with one another, try figuring out how to manage your schedules to make time for each other.
“You can probably bounce back from whatever it is by talking to one another and trying to fix the issues occurring in the relationship…Communication is key,” said Tracy Bojorge, an MLEC senior.
Although there are aspects of a relationship that could be rehabilitated, it can be extremely difficult to know when it’s time to pull the plug on the relationship. Some things can’t be fixed, no matter how hard both parties try.
“If you’re not happy with the person, why would you stay with them? And If the relationship is toxic, it’s probably not going to get any better,” added Peña.
There are also the situations in which only one of the two tries to fix the problem. When that’s the case, it is important that the person who is willing to try sees past the sweet talk, and focuses on the actions. A relationship will never work out if there’s only one person trying.
“If you’re the person trying to fix the relationship, all your effort is useless,” said Lilia Gonzalez, a sophomore at MLEC. “If you’re the person who doesn’t care to fix things, you’re hurting the other person even more, so end things before more damage happens.”
There’s a difference between giving things a shot and knowing when it’s not working out. So, for all the couples out there: don’t give up because situations get hard, but never stay in a relationship that you’re not happy or respected in.
Inside an Optimist's Mind 