Unattended relationships can develop cracks that create enormous stress. This stress then increases
emotional vulnerability, and life can go downhill. Unattended relationships often blow up, and can
end even when people want them to continue. Having the ability to repair relationships is much
more important than keeping them from “tearing” in the first place.

However, the longer relationships remain unattended to, the harder they are to repair.

Relationships that are ignored can weaken and disappear. Once a relationship disappears, it can be difficult to resurrect it. Sometimes, rather than disappearing, relationships become intolerably difficult; thus learning how to end an intolerably painful and hopeless relationship is also an important skill. [Source: Marsha M. Linehan]

Relationship communication skills.