--- title: Three Keys to Prevent a Relationship Breakdown description: It's easy to erode a relationship with small emotional withdrawals. The simplest keys open the biggest doors in love and relationships. Learn vital keys. image: https://blog.heartmanity.com/hubfs/Young-Couple-Embracing-505292200_1887x1595-1.jpeg --- [![Heartmanity](https://heartmanity.com/wp-content/files/heartmanity-logo-web.png "Heartmanity")](https://heartmanity.com) [Schedule a Conversation](https://heartmanity.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=30172362) [Shop](https://heartmanity-services-products.myshopify.com/) [Join the Community](https://heartmanitycommunity.mn.co/) [Get In Touch](https://heartmanity.com/contact/) - [Home](https://heartmanity.com/) - [Our Focus and Expertise](https://heartmanity.com/our-focus-and-expertise/) - [BrainFitness](https://heartmanity.com/brain-fitness/) - [Emotional Intel](https://heartmanity.com/emotional-intel/) - [Habits for Health](https://heartmanity.com/habits-for-health/) - [Relationship Mastery](https://heartmanity.com/relationship-mastery/) - [About](https://heartmanity.com/about/) - [Individuals](https://heartmanity.com/individuals/) - [No-Nonsense Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/no-nonsense-coaching/) - [Return to Serenity](https://heartmanity.com/return-to-serenity/) - [One-Year Makeover](https://heartmanity.com/one-year-makeover/) - Couples - [Drama-Free Marriage](https://heartmanity.com/drama-free-marriage/) - [Marriage Tune-Up](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#tune-up) - [Couples Mentoring](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#mentoring) - [Premarital Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#coaching) - [Drama-Free Weddings](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#weddings) - Parents - [HeartPrints® Parenting](https://heartmanity.com/heartprints-parenting/) - [Parent Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartprints-resources/#coaching) - [Family Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartprints-resources/#visits) - [WombPrints](https://heartmanity.com/heartprints-parenting/#wombprints) - [Professionals](https://heartmanity.com/professionals/) - [Heartmanity for Business](https://heartmanity.com/business/) - [Heartlead Business](https://heartmanity.com/heartmanity-for-business/) - [MomPreneurs](https://heartmanity.com/mompreneurs/) - [Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/) - [Heartlead Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartlead-resources/) - [Drama-Free Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/) - [HeartPrints® Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartprints-resources/) - [Personal Growth Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/personal-growth-resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.heartmanity.com/) - [Emotional Intelligence & Fitness](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/emotional-intelligence-fitness) - [Leadership and Business](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/leadership-and-business) - [Love, Marriage, and Relationships](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/love-marriage-and-relationships) - [Parents: Permission to Be Imperfect](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/parents-permission-to-be-imperfect) - [Brain Fitness, Mindfulness and Perspective](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/brain-fitness-mindfulness-and-perspective) - [Communication & Interpersonal Skills](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/communication-interpersonal-skills) - [Habits for Health](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/habits-for-health) Heartmanity's Blog Search Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. Topics: Select a topic... All Emotional Intelligence & Fitness Leadership and Business Love, Marriage, and Relationships Parents: Permission to Be Imperfect Brain Fitness, Mindfulness and Perspective Communication & Interpersonal Skills Habits for Health Heartmanity Webinars, Classes, and Events Filters # [*Three Keys to Prevent a Relationship Breakdown*](https://blog.heartmanity.com/blog/2014/07/three-keys-to-prevent-a-relationship-breakdown/) In today's hectic world, if we aren’t mindful, it doesn't take long for two people in a loving relationship to unknowingly let outer pressures override quality time together. It’s easy to get caught up in daily demands so much that we can even begin to feel that our partner is the problem, or at least they’re a hassle. And just as easy, is to "[fall out of love](https://blog.heartmanity.com/falling-out-of-love-and-what-to-do-about-it)." ***Estimated reading: 3 minutes*** ![Loving couple engaged to be married](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/They-fall-in-love-a-little-more-every-day-658443072_2433x1237-compressor.jpeg?width=2429&name=They-fall-in-love-a-little-more-every-day-658443072_2433x1237-compressor.jpeg) Just like driving on a hot day in the comfort of an air-conditioned car, we may not be aware that we’re headed toward a breakdown. With no water in the radiator (no love in our tanks), it’s not until the engine light goes on and smoke is billowing out from underneath the hood that we realize we’ve neglected fundamental care. ## Keep the Love Alive in Your Relationship As we continually react to circumstances in our lives, we start living unconsciously. We begin to forget to take time for everyday loving gestures or we put off carving time to listen to one another. We can get lazy and disregard the small actions that have a big impact. Prevent a breakdown by mindfully nurturing your relationship today—*and every day!* By taking small and loving actions regularly, you'll be strengthening your relationship dramatically. Below are some proven keys to help you create ease and connection that help to build a thriving relationship! Related Reading: "[Keys to Healthy Love and a Happy Relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/keys-to-healthy-love-and-a-happy-relationship)." ## ![Greet your partner with enthusiasm.](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Portrait-of-woman-and-man-embracing-at-the-railway-platform-488905932_Compressed.jpeg?width=2121&name=Portrait-of-woman-and-man-embracing-at-the-railway-platform-488905932_Compressed.jpeg) ## 3 Keys to Promote More Love in Your Relationship ### KEY #1:   Greet your partner like you’re happy to see them! When we are preoccupied with life, we can forget how important greetings are to everyone. Think for a moment of someone who happily greets you (even if it’s your Golden Retriever) and you’ll realize just how validating greetings can be!  So the next time your partner comes home, stop what you're doing and greet them with genuine joy and a big hug and kiss—like you haven't seen them for a month! ### KEY #2:   Ask for what you want from your partner. When communicating with your partner, ask for what you want instead of pointing your finger at them. Many people tend to complain rather than just ask for what they need. For example, “I feel sad when we don't spend time together. Let’s reserve Friday for a special night out."—instead of “You never spend time with me!" ### KEY #3:  Focus on what you can do for the relationship to be successful. Often we have our attention on what’s wrong or what our partner did to hurt us in the past instead of what can move us forward in a positive way. However, when it comes to love, persistently revisiting what’s wrong or what hurt us can get downright discouraging. Train yourself to focus on what you love about your partner. (If and when you want something different, see Key #2.) [![This senior couple has learned the keys for a happy relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/file-4049259242-jpg/blog-files/couple1-300x200.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=couple1-300x200.jpg)](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/file-4049259242-jpg/blog-files/couple1-300x200.jpg) ## Closing Thoughts Just like changing the oil in your car or making sure the radiator has proper coolant, small and loving actions can greatly impact the quality of your relationship. By focusing on making your connection and love strong, you’re investing in what truly matters. Keep your focus on what you have control to change—yourself! *Watch the magic of going from surviving to thriving in your relationship!* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What Can You Say to Your Partner to Help Save a Relationship One of the most important things to say to your partner when a relationship is struggling is, "I want to learn how to love you better." This growth mindset will help them know that even though things are rough, you are committed to doing what it takes to make the relationship better. Many times couples are stuck in trying to be right rather than seeking to love better. Even if you win an argument and prove your partner wrong, it will create more strife in the future. Being right may feel victorious for a hot minute, but the win will create more distance and disconnection in your relationship. Say instead, "You might be right about that!" Then, seek to understand their perspective. The goal is to take responsibility for loving your partner in ways they need. Yet, loving requires we first love and care for ourselves. And it's not what we SAY but our ACTIONS that speak the loudest! For more relationship support, marriage advice, and how to improve communication skills, email jennifer@heartmanity.com. ### Like the article? Help us spread the word and share it! Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn **![Jennifer A. Williams / Heartmanity Founder](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jennifer%20Williams022.jpg?width=225&name=Jennifer%20Williams022.jpg)[Jennifer A. Williams / Heartmanity Founder](https://blog.heartmanity.com/author/jennifer-a-williams-heartmanity-founder)** Jennifer, as the Heartmanity Founder, has coached couples for over two decades. With her extensive experience and vast knowledge of emotional intelligence and brain science, Jennifer provides profound insights. She specializes in communication and teaches EQ skills needed to create healthy relationships. Jennifer is happily married and the mother of three grown children who are incredible human beings. ### You may also like: ![Is Your Relationship Communication Stifling or Deepening Your Love?](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cosy-weekend-chats-658408252_Compressed.jpeg?width=250&height=150&name=Cosy-weekend-chats-658408252_Compressed.jpeg) [Is Your Relationship Communication Stifling or Deepening Your Love?](https://blog.heartmanity.com/relationship-communication) ![Create a Successful Marriage: Don't Compromise!](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Taking-photos-of-beautiful-nature-641236068_2122x1416-1.jpeg?width=250&height=150&name=Taking-photos-of-beautiful-nature-641236068_2122x1416-1.jpeg) [Create a Successful Marriage: Don't Compromise!](https://blog.heartmanity.com/create-a-successful-marriage-dont-compromise) ![The Grounded Connection: How to Have a Happy Marriage in a High-Voltage World](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Love-187046640_Compressed.jpeg?width=250&height=150&name=Love-187046640_Compressed.jpeg) [The Grounded Connection: How to Have a Happy Marriage in a High-Voltage World](https://blog.heartmanity.com/how-to-have-a-happy-marriage) ![How Your Phone Is Quietly Dulling Emotional Intimacy in Your Relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Couple%20on%20couch%20both%20on%20phones_SM_Compressed.png?width=250&height=150&name=Couple%20on%20couch%20both%20on%20phones_SM_Compressed.png) [How Your Phone Is Quietly Dulling Emotional Intimacy in Your Relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/the-invisible-relationship-firewall-is-your-phone-blocking-real-intimacy) Posted in [Love, Marriage, and Relationships](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/love-marriage-and-relationships) © Heartmanity 2026 [Back to Blog](https://blog.heartmanity.com) ### Free Newsletter! 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[Sitemap](https://heartmanity.com/sitemap/) | [Privacy Policy](https://info.heartmanity.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "NewsArticle", "author" : [ { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jennifer A. Williams / Heartmanity Founder", "url" : "https://blog.heartmanity.com/author/jennifer-a-williams-heartmanity-founder" } ], "dateModified" : "2023-10-07T23:49:06", "datePublished" : "2014-07-17T13:51:53", "headline" : "Three Keys to Prevent a Relationship Breakdown", "image" : [ "https://info.heartmanity.com/hubfs/Young-Couple-Embracing-505292200_1887x1595-1.jpeg" ] } ```