Anna Williamson: make or break your relationship this September

September is the perfect time for a relationship rethink, says relationships expert, coach and therapist Anna Williamson. In her latest column, she explores how to evaluate your relationship and decide if it’s time to call it quits.

Hello, lovers! September is here, and the lazy holiday season is behind us. For many – me included – now feels like the perfect opportunity for a personal kick up the backside, and to embark on a relationship reset. In my work, it’s typically women who take the first steps accessing couples’ help, but recently (and encouragingly) I’ve noticed an uptick in men reaching out to get relationship advice and wanting to put the work in.

Big respect – as we know, it takes two! Often, it’s to see first and foremost whether a relationship can be improved, but equally, many are realizing the importance of getting constructive help and guidance to establish if, in fact, their partnership has reached the end of the road. Whether you stay or leave, the goal is clarity.

It’s always worthwhile understanding the ‘why’ of where you are, to let go of any negative emotions, and to establish a clear path for the road ahead. If you’ve been feeling stuck or stagnant in your relationship, and with summer distractions passed, perhaps now is the time to make a decision – should you make or break your relationship this September?

First of all, take a step back and reflect on your relationship. Are you truly happy and fulfilled, or do you find yourself constantly questioning whether you’re with the right person? It’s important to be honest with yourself about your feelings and the state of your relationship. If you’re in a healthy, loving partnership and just need a little spark to reignite the flame, a September reset could be just what you need.

Take this month to focus on reconnecting with your partner, trying new things together, and communicating openly and honestly about your needs and desires. If you’ve been feeling a bit ‘meh’, confront it, address it, and rectify it.

Remember, relationships take effort from both partners, so make sure you’re equally willing to put in the time and energy to make things work. Listen to each other, and carve out ‘us’ time to ensure you’re both filling your couple cup o’ love.

On the other hand, if you’ve been feeling unhappy or unfulfilled in your relationship for a while now, it may be time to consider calling things a day. It’s never easy to end a relationship, but sometimes it’s the best decision for both parties involved. If you find yourself constantly feeling drained, stressed, or unhappy with your partner, it may be time to have a serious conversation about where your relationship is headed.

Breakups can be painful, yes, but time really is a great healer. Ultimately, the decision to make or break your relationship is a personal one that only you and your partner can make. Friends and family may offer counsel, but at the end of the day, only you know what’s best for you and what you want and need.

Remember to listen to your heart and trust your instincts. Whether you choose to make things work or end things on a positive note, know that you deserve to be happy and fulfilled in your relationships.

So, as we head into a new season, why not utilize the change as an opportunity to evaluate your relationship and make a decision that will ultimately lead to deserved happiness and well-being – in all aspects of your life. Good luck, my friends, and may this September bring you clarity and peace in your relationship journey.

For more advice from Anna on helping to create, build, and nurture healthy relationships, visit therelationshipplace.co.uk.