I have been with my now husband since the age of 17 and have now been together for 20 years, and throughout that time we have probably crossed many of these challenges you have highlighted.

The one that stings the most is infidelity. It was one of the most challenging things I have ever been through but as we already had one child and pregnant with my second there was a lot at risk rather than just deciding it was a deal breaker. It was actually a huge wake up call. We have done a lot of work on our relationship and as a result of that have come out the other side and are stronger and more connected than ever before.

I agree with you on many points especially is the relationship is new. However I find that often challenges in relationships are there to highlight the things that are calling your attention to work on, if you know in your heart that the relationship is worth saving. You have to be both willing to put in the work to create something different.

I have always felt me and my husband were soul mates and that our relationship was worth the work, rather than just giving up, and having shared values has been instrumental in that.