What to do when your relationship feels hard

Every relationship has moments when things feel harder than usual. The spark fades, communication slips, or you feel like you’re putting in more than you get back. It doesn’t always mean the love is gone; sometimes it just means something’s off and needs attention.

If it feels hard to talk things through, you don’t have to figure it out alone. PeerChat offers free, one-on-one text sessions with trained peer workers who understand what it’s like when relationships get complicated. Chat now.

PeerChat runs Monday–Thursday, 3–8 pm and Friday, 11:30 am–4:30 pm Sydney time. It’s a free peer work service for 16–25-year-olds in Australia. 

Why things feel hard, sometimes

• Life stress – work, study or financial pressures can spill over.

• Big changes – moving out, starting uni, or family problems can cause tension.

• Mental health challenges – when one or both of you are struggling, it can add complexity.

• Mismatched expectations or values – what you both want, believe or prioritise no longer lines up.

• Betrayal or suspicion of cheating - even small doubts or behaviours can create distance.

What can help

• Talk about what’s changed, even if it’s uncomfortable.

• Make time for small moments of care or fun – they remind you why you’re together.

• Be honest about what you both need and can realistically give right now.

Free 1:1 chat

Anonymous online support

Need to talk? Try PeerChat, a safe and secure space to talk to a trained peer worker about what’s going on for you.

Chat now