If you and your partner are still on speaking terms
, why not make a date together at your favourite restaurant. A public place is great for a chat about your feelings as you are more likely to keep your temper under control. You cannot let your cosy chat descend into a shouting match or you will disturb the other diners and you don't want the whole world knowing you have relationship trouble.
Sometimes a little work and some private chats are all that is needed to sort out the troubles in a relationship. Life gets so busy that it is easy to lose track of our loved ones and to end up ignoring them or causing them to feel uncared for. A few "couple only nights" may be all you both need to get back on track.
If you cannot talk alone, why not ask a trusted friend or family member to act as intermediary. This can be a difficult step to take and not one that you should enter into lightly. You must pick someone who has the ability to act without bias. This is not the time for any third party to be taking sides.
What you are looking for is someone who can help you and your partner to talk openly about the problems you are having. Someone who has been in a long term relationship, for a long period of time, will probably better understand the difficulties a couple can face. Single people may understand the theory but not having had the practice will find it difficult to dispense advice on relationship trouble.
Often it is not possible for you to find a suitable buddy or family member so why not try couple counselling? People believe that these services are only available for married couples but that is not the case. There are some services devoted to those that are married but others are for couples who live together or share time together.
Check your local phone directory to see what services are available. Be careful when choosing your advisor though. If possible, go on a personal recommendation. Your doctor or spiritual adviser may be able to help. Or ask your counsellor if they have clients who are willing to give them a testimonial.
It is much better if both of you meet the counsellor as it is important you are both comfortable talking to this person. You will be discussing intimate details and this is impossible if you do not like the counsellor. They will probably want to meet you together as a couple and perhaps separately as well. Find out how many meetings you will be expected to attend and when you are likely to see results.
The good news is that if both parties are agreeable to seeking help for relationship trouble, you stand a great chance of sorting out your issues and going back to the blissful couple you once were.