Your friend Beth comments to you that she and her boyfriend Paul might be having trouble in their

relationship.

What are some of the signs you would look for to determine if their relationship is indeed in
trouble? What advice would you give Beth to help her repair the relationship?
What will be an ideal response?

Signs that a relationship are in trouble include aggressive behavior, where one party becomes
aggressive and hurtful toward the other; lies, where one or both of the parties are deceitful toward the
other; and betrayal, where the bond of trust is broken between the participants. One or more of these
signs may be present. Strategies for repairing a troubled relationship include: (1 ) engage in open and
honest communication; (2 ) be willing to bring out the person's positive side; (3 ) evaluate the rewards
and costs of the relationship; (4 ) seek support and help from others; (5 ) focus on the positive aspects
of the relationship; (6 ) be willing to reinterpret the behaviors of the other person as positive; and (7 )
be willing to reduce negativity and keep a balanced perspective.