18 Struggles Every Couple Faces in the Modern Era (That Didn’t Exist a Decade Ago)

We must admit that life isn’t the same as it was a few decades ago, and with multiple changes, we’re also seeing a new trend in relationships. Couples today deal with challenges that didn’t even exist ten years ago, thanks to our fast-moving, technology-filled world. From always being connected online to handling new pressures, relationships now are not the same as they used to be. Here are some of the problems modern couples face that weren’t much of a concern a decade ago.

Social media jealousy

People quickly get jealous when they see who their significant other is following on social media. Since social media didn’t exist a few years ago, it’s a relatively new problem that’s only worsening with each passing day and there seem to be no solution in sight.

Texting misinterpretations

We all interpret texts differently. To some people, typing in all caps might be shouting; to others, it might not, similar to the case of using emoticons. Since you can’t be too expressive in text, it can lead to miscommunication and other hurdles that may impact the relationships.

Prioritizing phone

It’s annoying to see your partner spend most of their time glued to their phone. They may be tending to an important task, but constantly staying on the phone suggests they may not be interested in you and looking into other stuff to keep themselves occupied.

Digital infidelity

Hiding texts from a particular person, purposely masking your location, going on secret dating apps, and even liking someone else’s photos on social media are all signs of digital infidelity that are killing multiple relationships today.

Sharing intimate content

Sharing lewd photos and texts with our partner is always risky because you don’t know if they’ll stay on their phone. Numerous couples fight because their intimate texts/photos got leaked or were willingly shown to someone else. It’s best to stay safe and avoid sharing such photos and videos.

Work-life balance

Work back then used to be pretty straightforward; you’d come home after a 9-5 and hang out with family. Today, the need to stay on top of the crashing economy is forcing many to overwork; some even work two jobs to survive, which prompts arguments about being unable to spend time.

Polyamory

The world is opening up its mind to aspects like polyamory, but it’s also creating problems between couples. Many couples want to try polyamory, but some might be coerced into the position, which can naturally create conflicts and affect their relationships.

Conflicting career paths

A few decades ago, women weren’t too welcomed into the working industry. While progress is truly appreciated, it has led some couples to battle over preferences and career paths because they have set expectations for each other.

Sleep schedules

In the past, people slept whenever night fell and woke up at dawn. Today, things like smartphones and TVs keep us up, so we’re unable to sleep at a fixed time. This can disrupt our loved ones’ routines and prompt a few fights. Also, not having a sound sleeping routine can affect health, too.

Exercise preferences

Working out together is a great bonding activity, but it can create frustrating moments, especially when you see all those influencers showing off their gym routines on social media. Every person has their workout in mind, and being unable to agree can develop problems.

Family planning

More and more younger couples want to hold off on kids, but family intrusion and conflicting ideas about having kids are creating gaps in relationships. Many couples get together despite having conflicting views and end up fighting until the end because of pressure from their surroundings.

Throw-away society

With so many options available, people get bored easily. They buy a car, get bored of it, and invest in a new one, and the list goes on. Relationships are no exception either. Got a problem? They listen to internet friends and opt for divorce. This has become a bitter reality in today’s world.

Financial Stress

Due to the tough economic conditions across the world, couples often face financial strain that was not present years ago. With unemployment and layoffs becoming common, couples find themselves clashing with their spending habits, which impacts their relationship.

Constant Accessibility

One of the major problems that couples face today is expecting immediate responses. With a plethora of applications available online, partners are expected to be available at all times. This constant pressure makes them feel overwhelmed and invades their personal space.

Changing Roles In Relationships

Gone are the days when roles were specified to genders. In today’s world, each partner has to contribute to responsibilities, whether its financial or home-related. This shift doesn’t sit well with some partners as they are still stuck in old ways of relationships, and often causes conflict.

Parenting Differences

In today’s world, parenting is one of the biggest challenges that couples face. Both parents sometimes have differences in how to raise kids. These disagreements lead to frequent conflicts and create a stressful environment at home, which may also confuse and puzzle the child.

Catfishing

With online dating, the risk of catfishing—someone pretending to be someone they’re not—has skyrocketed. It can really mess with your emotions and make it hard to trust people. Always verify who you’re talking to by using video calls or checking mutual connections. Being cautious can save you a lot of stress and heartache.

Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction is becoming one of the most common problems these days, especially for couples. Spending too much time on video games can impact a relationship, making your partner feel neglected. It’s important to find a balance between your time enjoying gaming without letting it affect your time with your partner.