17 Things You Might Be Doing That Are Putting Your Marriage in Danger
Marriage is a beautiful journey, but it comes with its share of challenges that aren’t always easy to see. Sometimes, small issues can slowly build up and create distance between you and your partner without you realizing it. Things like not talking enough, comparing your relationship to others, or holding onto unspoken frustrations can quietly hurt your bond. To keep your marriage happy and strong, here are some behaviors you should try to avoid.
Selfishness
When you are married to someone, things will never be just about “you”. Marriage is about give and take, and if one of you is just there to take and prioritize your needs above the other, then this imbalance in the relationship is sure to cause havoc. Selfishness will lead to resentment and a lack of mutual respect that’ll eventually weaken the bond between you and your partner.
Lack Of Communication
Communication is the backbone of any relationship. If you don’t communicate your thoughts, feelings, desires, or fears, you’re slowly building up the distance between you and your partner. Constant lack of communication slowly kills the relationship to a point where you cannot turn back.
Unrealistic Expectations
Perhaps the worst thing you could do to your spouse is hold unrealistic expectations. When one partner expects the other to be perfect or meet all their emotional needs, they set an impossible standard. This can make both partners feel frustrated and gradually drift away from each other.
Not Giving Space To Each Other
You cannot just expect your partner to put their life on hold and be around you 24/7. You need to understand that they need their own space and can not always be there to accommodate your needs. Excessive clinginess can set both you and your partner up for ruin.
Addiction
Your marriage is in a sinking boat if your partner is addicted to alcohol or any other sort of substance abuse. An addicted partner may become dishonest and unreliable while their financial resources are diverted to support their addiction. Such partners neglect family responsibilities and spend time with negative influences that further drain the marriage.
Lack Of Intimacy
Intimacy in marriage keeps the spark alive and prevents you and your partner from drifting apart. In addition to expressing love physically, being emotionally invested in your partner can strengthen your marriage. Partners that do not feel emotionally connected slowly grow apart.
Keeping Secrets
Keeping secrets, whether big or small, affects the openness between you and your partner. No matter how long you’ve been together; when you hide things from your spouse, they may feel betrayed. This breaks down communication, which gradually erodes trust, and you may not even realize when this vicious cycle slowly starts destroying your bond.
Holding Grudges
Holding onto grudges can create resentment in a marriage. These unresolved conflicts can lead to bitterness and emotional distance. Over time, this can break the trust and intimacy essential for a strong marriage. It’s important to let go of any grudge against your partner and talk it out without escalating it.
Not Apologizing
You were angry, and you said things to your spouse that you shouldn’t have, but now the over is done. Not apologizing for your behavior can hurt your spouse even more, build resentment, and leave lasting scars. Couples who don’t take responsibility for their actions make their other half feel disrespected and unloved, and they may grow distant.
Taking Each Other For Granted
When you let love take a backseat and prioritize other things in life, knowing that your spouse is there well and good, love eventually diminishes. Your spouse is there because they love you and want love and appreciation in return. If you don’t appreciate and acknowledge their efforts, then soon enough, your marriage will lose its charm.
Financial Stress
One of the most common reasons that put your marriage at stake is financial stress. It’s vital that you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to discussing financial goals, budgeting, and addressing any concerns. A partner who engages in financial infidelity can severely strain the marriage.
Excessive Screen Time
Excessive screen time is a major silent killer in marriages in the digital age. It is hurtful when your spouse longs for your attention after a long day at work to be able to share some intimate moments, and all you do is scroll on the phone. This behavior is hurtful and pushes the two of you apart, reducing intimacy and connection.
Constant Criticism
It’s never a good idea to treat your spouse by constantly complaining about their shortcomings. It creates a tense atmosphere as your partner feels inadequate and constantly judged. Constant criticism damages your partner’s self-esteem, increases their self-doubt, and, over time, makes them resentful and bitter.
Infidelity
Cheating can shatter the trust that holds a marriage together, making it one of the most heart-wrenching issues a couple can face. Rebuilding that trust after infidelity is no small feat and requires a lot of time and effort. In many cases, it almost feels impossible to forget and forgive.
Comparing Your Partner to Others
When you constantly compare your partner to other people, it can really hurt their confidence and make them feel frustrated. Constantly hearing how they could be more like someone else can lower their self-esteem and create distance in your relationship. Instead of tearing each other down with comparisons, focus on appreciating what makes you unique.
Delaying Conflict Resolution
While it is important to process a conflict for effective resolution, delaying it unnecessarily creates tension that may prove damaging to your marriage. The longer a conflict remains unresolved, the more time partners have to overthink and exaggerate the conflict in their minds. Ultimately, negative emotions pile up, and partners end up feeling disconnected.
Lack Of Appreciation
When you don’t feel appreciated by your partner, it can result in feelings of neglect and resentment. This lack of recognition can make you feel undervalued and unloved. Over time, this emotional distance can weaken the bond you share and, hence, lead to serious relationship issues.
More For You
The journey of love has its fair share of trials. By understanding common stress factors in marriage, you can prepare for these challenges and save your relationship from falling apart.
This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.
