Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Relationship Problems” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Communication Issues
1. How important is communication in a relationship?
2. What are some signs of poor communication between partners?
3. How can couples improve their communication?
4. What should you do if your partner doesn’t listen to you?
5. Can too much communication be a problem?

II. Trust and Jealousy
6. Why is trust important in a relationship?
7. How can jealousy harm a relationship?
8. What causes trust issues in relationships?
9. How can partners rebuild trust after it’s been broken?
10. Is it okay to check your partner’s phone or messages?

III. Financial Struggles
11. How can money problems affect a relationship?
12. Should couples have joint or separate bank accounts?
13. How do you discuss budgeting with your partner?
14. What if one partner earns significantly more than the other?
15. How can couples avoid fighting over money?

IV. Intimacy Issues
16. How important is physical intimacy in a relationship?
17. What can cause a lack of intimacy between partners?
18. How can couples maintain intimacy over time?
19. Is it normal for intimacy levels to change?
20. How should partners talk about their intimacy needs?

V. Different Life Goals
21. What happens when partners have different life goals?
22. How can partners support each other’s individual goals?
23. Is it necessary for partners to have shared goals?
24. How can couples compromise on their future plans?
25. Can a relationship work if one partner wants children and the other does not?

VI. Time Management
26. How can busy schedules affect relationships?
27. What are some ways to make time for your partner?
28. How much time should couples spend together?
29. Is it important to have alone time away from your partner?
30. How do you balance time between your partner and friends?

VII. Cultural Differences
31. Can cultural differences cause relationship problems?
32. How can couples respect each other’s cultures?
33. What challenges might intercultural couples face?
34. How can couples overcome language barriers?
35. Should partners adopt customs from each other’s cultures?

VIII. Family Interference
36. How can family opinions impact a relationship?
37. What should you do if your family doesn’t approve of your partner?
38. How involved should families be in a couple’s decisions?
39. How can partners set boundaries with their families?
40. Is it important to get along with your partner’s family?

IX. Infidelity and Cheating
41. How does cheating affect a relationship?
42. Can a relationship survive after infidelity?
43. Why do some people cheat on their partners?
44. How can couples prevent cheating?
45. Should you forgive a partner who has cheated?

X. Lack of Support
46. Why is emotional support important in a relationship?
47. What does it mean to be supportive of your partner?
48. How can you show support during your partner’s difficult times?
49. What if you feel your partner doesn’t support your dreams?
50. How can partners encourage each other’s growth?

XI. Dealing with Arguments
51. Is arguing in a relationship always bad?
52. How can you resolve conflicts peacefully?
53. What should you never say during an argument?
54. How can you prevent small disagreements from becoming bigger issues?
55. What if you and your partner keep having the same argument?

XII. Personal Growth and Change
56. How can personal growth affect relationships?
57. What if one partner changes significantly?
58. How can couples grow together instead of apart?
59. Is it okay for partners to have different hobbies and interests?
60. How can you support your partner’s personal changes?

Feedback