Things have not been going well. The relationship seems to be dying. Can it be saved? Do the parties want to save it? Do both parties want to save the relationship?
There are ups and downs in all relationships. The parties usually work through the downs without wanting out. A steady deterioration may be a different matter.

The code invites the other party to express his or her feelings. The matter can be discussed. If both parties feel the salvage effort is worthwhile and possible then that is the way forward. If both agree that the effort is pointless then that is the way forward. If the parties disagree the matter can be dropped for the time being.