• Celebrity
    • Cardi B and Offset Cover
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Digital Cover – Method Man
    • Digital Cover – Zazie Beetz
    • Fashion News
    • Fashion House 2021
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Black Beauty Awards 2022
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO® Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • MAYBELLINE: FIT ME MATTE + PORELESS
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Prudential – Dream & Plan with Confidence
    • Black History Month
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Holiday Gift Guide
    • Lifestyle News
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Festival
  • Events
    • Road to Festival
    • 2022 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2022 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • Entrepreneur Summit 2021
    • Wellness House
    • VAX & VIBES Louisiana
    • Girls United Summit 2021
    • She Got Now
    • Fashion House 2021
    • GU Back To School
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • Power Tools
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Essence Studios
  • Girls United
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters

WHERE BLACK WOMEN COME FIRST

Every day we're serving Black women deeply. Come get a plate of goodness! Sign up for daily content and exclusive offers you'll love!

Your email is required.
Your email is in invalid format.
Confirm email is required.
Email did not match.
By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms of Use and that you have read our Privacy Policy
Skip to content
SUBSCRIBE
  • MAGAZINE
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Celebrity
    • Cardi B and Offset Cover
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Digital Cover – Method Man
    • Digital Cover – Zazie Beetz
    • Fashion News
    • Fashion House 2021
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Black Beauty Awards 2022
    • ESSENCE Hair Awards 2022
    • AVEENO® Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty News
    • MAYBELLINE: FIT ME MATTE + PORELESS
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Build Your Legacy 2022
    • Prudential – Dream & Plan with Confidence
    • Black History Month
    • AMEX Platinum Travel
    • Holiday Gift Guide
    • Lifestyle News
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Festival
  • Events
    • Road to Festival
    • 2022 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2022 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
    • Entrepreneur Summit 2021
    • Wellness House
    • VAX & VIBES Louisiana
    • Girls United Summit 2021
    • She Got Now
    • Fashion House 2021
    • GU Back To School
    • Dear Black Men
    • I Am Speaking
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • Power Tools
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Studios
  • Girls United
Home · Relationships

16 Make Or Break Situations That Will Test Your Love

These scenarios can put even the strongest relationships to the test. Know how to spot them and how to cope.

By Charli Penn · Updated October 27, 2020
01
An Affair

When someone cheats they break the bond of trust they share with the person they love and it can be very tough to rebuild it. When this happens, if you decide (together!) that you want to forgive, heal and move on, the process will be most successful if it begins with therapy.

Getty Images
02
A Death In the Family

The sudden death of a close family member can send anyone spiraling into depression. Learn the difference between allowing the one you love to grieve and signs that they need to speak with someone to work through the pain.

Getty Images
03
A Job Relocation

A relationship is immediately threatened when one of the people involved suddenly has to relocate out of state for work. It happens, and when it does, the other person can feel forced to choose between the life they had a new life in a new place, or feel forced into a long distance relationship.

Getty Images
04
Religious Differences and Starting Families

If two people have different religious beliefs and fail to discuss how they plan to handle any conflicts when it comes to marriage, starting a family, or blending them, it can test their bond. Having these discussions and coming to an agreement as early as possible is the key.

Getty Images
05
Nosy In-Laws

When mother and fathers in law are too involved in their child’s marriage it forces the husband and/or wife to feel like they’re taking sides all the time. It’s hard to unite when this is happening. Find your boundaries and don’t let your parents cross them.

Getty Images
06
Nosy Family Members

The same applies to family members who are permanently in your business. Keep them out from day one. It’s your relationship and yours only.

Getty Images
07
A Family Member Moving In

A family member suddenly living with you and yours can really disturb the peace in your home. Know when they’ll go before either of you commit that they can stay.

Getty Images
08
An Unplanned Pregnancy

A pregnancy isn’t always part of the plan and deciding how to handle an unplanned pregnancy can put a strain on a once happy relationship—especially if two people feel differently about how a new baby will effect their dynamic, their lifestyle and beyond.

Getty Images
09
Increasing Financial Pressures

Increased financial pressures can cause a crack in a perfectly healthy relationship. Things like a change in salary or a sudden influx of bills can make talking about money tough and affect the way you communicate. When it comes to money, be transparent, work as a team and keep the lines of communication open.

Getty Images
10
A Layoff

When one person suddenly loses their job things can go south in their relationship fast. Sometimes depression or financial problems can really change a relationship dynamic. It’s a challenging time when being there for one another matters most. Don’t allow yourselves to become emotionally disconnected.

Getty Images
11
Sudden Injury

A sudden injury like a broken bone can leave a person on bedrest for weeks or even months, which can also lead to irritability, depression and a loss of financial income.

Getty Images
12
Mismatched Dreams

When two people in love suddenly realize that their dreams aren’t aligned, trouble in paradise often follows. Talk it out and find a way to support each other’s dreams and work toward a future you can see together.

Getty Images
13
Moving In Together

If you’re not compatible, sharing the same roof will show it right away. Be sure you have a plan going in to make sure you each make a smooth transition.

Getty Images
14
Vacationing Together

The fastest way to test your love is to take an extended vacation together, especially to another country. Its a sneak peek of moving in together that every couple needs.

Getty Images
15
A Road Trip

Two people stuck in a car for an extended period of time will test how much you truly enjoy each other’s company.

Getty Images
16
An Unwanted Pet

Dogs and cats can be excellent additions to the home when the time is right, but if it’s the wrong fit for one or both of you, those fur friends can cause daily fighting.

Getty Images

Read More

Celebrity
Summer Walker Covers One Of ESSENCE's June 2022 Digital Covers
Celebrity
Summer Walker Announces Pregnancy
Videos
Taraji P. Henson’s Favorite Moments at the BET Awards
Videos
Taraji P. Henson Opens Up About The BET Awards
Shop
6 Feminine Wellness Products With Life-Changing Results
COMPANY INFORMATION
  • Our Company
  • Customer Service
  • Essence Ventures
  • Change Your Address
  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities
  • Internships
  • Media Kit
  • tag
SUBSCRIBE
  • Newsletters
  • Give a Gift of ESSENCE
  • Magazine Tablet Edition
FOLLOW US
MORE ON ESSENCE
  • Home
  • Love
  • Celebrity
  • Beauty
  • Hair
  • Fashion
  • ESSENCE festival

ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

©2022 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms

Get The ESSENCE Newsletter and
Special Offers delivered to your inbox

By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Get The ESSENCE Magazine
by subscribing below
subscribe now