Learn from relationship experts about what constitutes a rough patch in a relationship or a reason to break up.

Dr. Carbino adds thateveryonehas a relationship signature that follows them around in their partnershipslikestruggles with intimacyorfears about commitment.

To Dr. Carbino, this is the difference between whats bent out of shape and whats broken.

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And arguing andfighting fairlycan actuallybenefita relationship by bringing any lingering issues to the surface.

Where people run into trouble however, Dr. Louis says, is when conflict happens without communication.

She says that if someone stonewalls, or shuts down without communicating, the problems can fester.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

certified dating and relationship coach and founder ofCoaching Hearts Consulting

And not communicating can cause these issues to warp intorelationship problems.

As you progress in your relationship, you may discover that you want different things than your partner.

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Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

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Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

certified dating and relationship coach and founder ofCoaching Hearts Consulting

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Courtesy Berkley Publishing