Although there are many reasons that relationships can go sour, for the most part, when an otherwise happy relationship starts to falter the reasons may not be so clear. Sometimes the reason could be large and obvious, but most of the time the problem is the culmination of many small things, some of which the couple didn’t even realize were an issue. Here are four things that might be secretly causing stress in a relationship, as well a few practical tips on how to overcome them:

1. Familiarity

One of the sure fire ways to kill a happy relationship is to grow too familiar with each other. It is one thing to find someone that you can be yourself around; that is one of the most beautiful things in the world. However, it is another thing to start taking that person for granted and showing this familiarity and lack of respect in ways such as forgetting to do the little things that make your partner happy, getting so comfortable you feel you can “be gross” around him or her, or letting yourself go and not keeping up your physical appearance or health.

A lot of women are guilty of this last boo-boo. They stop doing their hair and makeup, stop shaving their legs and stop wearing cute outfits like they used to. While their significant other probably still loves them no matter how they look, the message that they are sending is that they don’t really care anymore and this can be really hurtful to a man.

2. Not Being United On Money and Parenting Matters

Two of the things that couples argue about the most are money and parental matters. These are what the most serious disagreements are usually about. While you may not agree with every thing your partner does, it is important to do your best to compromise and accommodate each other so that things do not get out of hand.

One thing that is especially important when it comes to parental matters is to always show a united front to the children, even if you disagree behind closed doors. If you argue about these things in front of kids, they will see that they can play you against each other and they will use this. But, worst of all, even though they will milk the situation for all it’s worth, arguing in front of children can make them feel very insecure and unhappy and lead to many other behavioral problems down the road.

3. Snoring

Believe it or not, snoring is one of the serious relationship killers. There are thousands of couples in which one partner is a snorer and the other’s sleep suffers as a result. This may not seem like a big thing, but that lack of sleep can turn into daytime irritability, and eventually depression and resentment towards the “snorer”. The couple may not even realize what is causing the tension in the relationship.

If this is a problem, a simple solution could be to sleep in separate rooms. It may not sound like a great idea to be separated, but if both partners are getting a good rest, they will be much happier and they may even enjoy the times they do spend cuddling in the same bed as it will more special, which leads us to the next point…

4. Lack of Intimacy

Lack of intimacy is one of the main reasons couples report as the cause of their break up. Some times this can be pinned to other problems in the relationship, such as the ones mentioned above. However, sometimes this lack of intimacy is due to a more serious physical problem. This affects couples in their fifties and older most often, because this is when the libido starts to slow down in both men and women and the changes in hormones can kill the sex drive. This is not such a problem if both partners are not interested in being active in bed, but they should still take time to cuddle and show their love and affection in other ways.

Sometimes, however, only one partner feels the urge to remain sexually active and this could put a strain on the relationship. Talking things out and doing your best to accommodate each other’s needs is paramount in order to keep the relationship healthy and your partner happy. If the problem is physical, there are several treatments that can be used safely, and if it is an emotional or psychological problem, there are therapists who specialize in this area. But often, just talking it out with your partner can do wonders and keep the relationship intact.

Stacey Cavalari is a healthcare technology writer for Phoenix kiosk, a Kiosk manufacturer firm in Tempe, AZ. Phoenix Kiosk specializes in healthcare kiosks for small to large size organizations.