Recognizing the Most Common Marriage Problems
Written by: Steve Knight
It's an unavoidable fact of life that sooner or later, at some point in time, every couple will have their share of marriage problems, whether large or small. There is no such thing as a perfect marriage, as any number of issues and difficulties can arise for countless reasons. What's most important is how the couple responds to the situations, both together and individually, sometimes even more than the nature of the problems themselves.
By learning the most common marriage problems faced by couples and the destructive behaviors that lead up to them, you're better able to recognize your own actions and shortcomings in your personal relationships, and take the necessary steps to change your marriage for the better.
According to recent surveys of relationship counselors and therapists, the marriage problems plaguing most couples today include:
A Lack of Communication
The one problem therapists cite as the most detrimental to a marriage is a lack of communication. Without it, we might as well not be in a relationship at all if we aren't making ourselves heard, and hearing our partner at the same time. Without the acts of sharing feelings, hopes, fears, dreams, and all of the other aspects of life that make us unique and individuals, we tend to close ourselves off from the other person, alienating them, and causing all communication to shut down.
Infidelity
Only so much can be said about the subject of infidelity, because as far as marriage problems are concerned, it ranks nearly as high as a lack of communication skills, but often without most of the lasting and detrimental effects that occur when a spouse is unfaithful.
Distrust
Much like infidelity, distrust can leave an indelible mark on a relationship and challenge even the strongest of marriages. Depending on a variety of circumstances, such as whether or not distrust and dishonesty have become a constant in the relationship, couples can work through past hurts to become closer together if both are committed to making positive changes.
A Loss of Intimacy
Intimacy doesn't necessarily refer only to sex, but also as a form of a deeper connection that result from just spending quality time together. Many household have two working adults, children, bills, and all of the other usual realities of life, so it's easy to get sidetracked, especially where romance is concerned. Some couples unfortunately see a loss of intimacy as one of those marriage problems that unequivocally signals the end of the road.
However, upon the realization that intimacy might mean little things such as a simple peck on the cheek, a loving glance, holding hands in the grocery store, or even a foot massage at the end of a rough day, intimacy will naturally begin to rebuild, and escalate over time.
Money Issues
Too many couples easily lose sight of what's important in a marriage, with issues such as money taking center stage, often times substituting for other unspoken ill feelings that merely masquerade as financial problems. If finances truly are the reason for the discord, make it a point to rationally and reasonably come to an agreement, a solution, a compromise, or whatever it is that will put an end to arguing about money instead of focusing on making your marriage and family life stronger and happier.
