With faith in God, we can be assured that though we go around in circles in our sin and suffering; all the while God is gently lifting us up.  Repentance and faith in God assure us that not only is repeated sin and suffering a learning loop, it can also be a spiritual spiral, that as we make circles in our sin and suffering God lifts us up to face it with new power and perspective. Sure maybe that tough relationship will always be tough and that person will never change, but with God, you are different, you have new heart and grace to face it.  Maybe you will never truly get over your sin-your pride or anger or lust-but God can get you through it and use it for His glory and grace.