Can a Relationship Survive Big Changes?

Positive changes - even positive ones - can shake a relationship

8/17/20251 min read

Can a Relationship Survive Big Changes? (Yes – with Support and Curiosity)

Big changes – even positive ones – can shake a relationship.

From moving house to starting a family, from perimenopause to career shifts, from ADHD diagnosis to gender identity exploration – change can challenge how you see yourself, your partner, and your future together.

Why Change Can Feel So Hard

  • You may have different coping styles

  • Your needs and priorities shift

  • Fear of the unknown can create distance

  • Communication patterns might break down under stress

The Role of Curiosity

One of the most powerful tools during change is curiosity.

Instead of assuming what your partner is thinking or feeling, ask. Listen. Be open to the idea that you’re both evolving – and that’s not a bad thing.

How Couples Therapy Supports Change

In therapy, we create a space to:

  • Talk openly about fears, hopes, and needs

  • Understand how your histories shape your responses to change

  • Develop new ways of staying connected during uncertainty

  • Rebuild trust and closeness when things feel unsettled

Relationships can survive big changes – and even thrive afterwards – when there’s space for honesty, empathy, and flexibility.