Ten Common Problems in Marriage | Collaborative Divorce Texas (2024)

Married couples often develop bad habits that can produce resentment and divorce.

People marry young, share good and bad times, have a family, begin to fight, and have sex less often as they age. Suddenly they feel alone when they are with their partner. What happened? Generally, if you recognize a problem in your relationship and are willing to take steps to change your bad habits, you can fix the marriage. However, it takes two to make a marriage work so if one spouse has his or her foot out the door, it can be difficult to fix a marriage.

1. Communication Issues

The most common complaint among married couples is lack of communication. Many couples put up with problems rather than try to fix them. In the beginning they agreed he would earn money and she would take care of the house and kids. When they face new challenges later on, they have to negotiate a new compact. The issue is whether spouses can listen to each other’s complaints without interrupting or getting defensive and reach anew consensus.

2. Ignoring Boundaries

It’s not uncommon for one spouse to try to change his or her partner. Whether it’s how he or she dresses or about fundamental beliefs, trying to change your spouse will feel like a personal invasion and may trigger defensiveness oranger. Overstepping boundaries can destroy mutual trust. The result is likely to be retaliation or withdrawal from the relationship.

3. Lack of Sexual Intimacy

There are lots of reasons couples lose interest in sex–ranging from medical problems to emotional issues. Generally, sexual problems trigger a vicious cycle where it’s difficult to want sex when you feel emotionally distant from your partner and it’s difficult to feel emotionally attached without experiencing sexual intimacy.To get past sexual indifference, couples need to discuss and resolve their emotional issues.

4. Emotional or Sexual Infidelity

A common problem in many marriages is for the couple to become emotionally distant. When this happens, it’s likely he or she may start looking around. Emotional infidelity can lead to adultery and cheating is destructive of a marriage. It’s important for every couples to discuss and agree on what constitutes infidelity.

5. Fighting About Money

Disagreements about money are inevitable in a marriage. One spouse may want to save while the other wants to spend. Disagreement about money usually reflect different core values. To avoid these problems, it’s important to discuss and agree how to handle finances.

6. Selfishness

If one spouse constantly places his or her needs above the goals and interests of the marriage, it’s only a matter of time before the neglected spouse begins to feel rejected and unloved. Getting married involves give and take rather than getting your own needs met all the time. If one spouse dictates the terms of the marriage and won’t compromise, that’s a recipe for disaster.

7. Value Differences

When a couple has core value differences, such as religious preferences, that can cause serious problems. They may have major disagreements about what religion to teach their children. Other differences include how to discipline, definitions of right and wrong, or other ethical conflicts. Everyone doesn’t grow up with the same values, morals, or goals and there is lots of room for debate about right and wrong. If a couple can’t learn to adjust to different values, they may have serious problems in their marriage.

8. Different Life Stages

Most couples don’t think about differences in life stages when they marry, but this can be a significant problem with couples are different ages. Personalities change and a couple may not remain compatible as they transition to different life stages. An older husband may not be interested in beginning a new family while the young bride is anxious to have a baby, or he may be nearing retirement and want to slow down while she needs to stay active.

9. Boredom

Doing the same old thing can get tiresome and it’s hard to make changes in a comfortable relationship until it’s too late. Doing something new from time to time can add spark and spice to a relationship.

10. Jealousy

Being jealous can turn a marriage sour, especially if the jealous feelings are unrealistic. Jealous persons can become overbearing and controlling or angry and rejecting. If you are feeling jealous, see a counselor to decide wither your feelings are reasonable. You may have an attachment problem that needs to be discussed with a competent counselor.

It does take two to make a marriage work. If the marriage cannot be fixed because one or both spouses no longer want to be married, call an experienced San Antonio Divorce Attorney.

The Law Office of Harry Munsinger has been helping clients in Bexar County to successfully divorce without draining the family estate and ruining relationships with children and other family members.

Want to Read More?

https://harrymunsinger.com/what-are-my-divorce-options-in-texas/

Ten Common Problems in Marriage | Collaborative Divorce Texas (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to divorce or stay unhappily married? ›

Divorce, while disruptive in the short term, may offer a healthier and happier environment for the whole family in the long run. It can reduce conflict and provide the opportunity for personal growth and freedom for the parents, which is good for parents and kids alike.

What to do when your marriage is over but you can't leave? ›

You may feel you can't leave an unhappy marriage for a variety of reasons, but it doesn't mean you have to be stuck. Individual or marriage counseling with a qualified therapist can help you work towards a healthier balanced life – and just maybe bring happiness back to your marriage.

Can a marriage be saved when one spouse falls out of love? ›

Absolutely, but it takes time and effort from both spouses. Below, marriage therapists offer a short list of advice they give couples at this crossroad.

What causes a marriage to fall apart? ›

Infidelity, arguing, infertility, and lack of commitment are some of the top reasons for divorce in the world. There's usually more than one cause of divorce, though. Most divorce reasons are preventable, though, when both partners are in love and willing to spend time and energy in solving the differences.

Who is usually happier after divorce? ›

Separating from a long-term partner is never easy. However, once the dust settles, the truth is that most women do report feeling happier after a divorce.

What is a silent divorce? ›

A silent divorce, also known as emotional divorce, is a gradual and often unnoticed separation between couples. It's where the intimacy, love, and connection that once bound two people together slowly erodes, leaving them feeling more like roommates than romantic partners.

How do you know when your marriage is beyond repair? ›

What does real trouble look like?
  • There's no emotional connection. ...
  • Communication breakdown. ...
  • Aggressive or confrontational communication. ...
  • There's no appeal to physical intimacy. ...
  • You don't trust them. ...
  • Fantasising about others. ...
  • You're not supporting each other and have different goals. ...
  • You can't imagine a future together.

Does God want us to stay in an unhappy marriage? ›

God designed marriage to last for life, a strong commitment that reflects God's master design. His will for you is to stay married unless there is ongoing and unrepentant abuse or infidelity. You must renew your commitment to your spouse, even if you feel that you have an unhappy marriage.

When a marriage can't be saved? ›

Psychologists John and Julie Gottman, who have spent decades studying marriage, identified four strong predictors of divorce: criticism, stonewalling, defensiveness, and contempt. 6 If one or more is present, or the partner exhibiting the behavior is unwilling to examine or change it, the marriage may be beyond repair.

How do you separate when you have nowhere to go? ›

How to Break Up with Someone Who Doesn't Have a Place to Stay
  1. End the relationship as soon as possible.
  2. Break up in person.
  3. Explain why you're breaking up.
  4. Be kind as you break the news.
  5. Give a deadline for moving out.
  6. Recommend a few options for them.
  7. Set boundaries for yourself.
  8. Talk about logistics.

How to make your husband love you again when he wants a divorce? ›

If you want to try to save your relationship, the first step is to have an open and honest conversation with him. Listen to his concerns and try to understand why he wants a divorce. It's important to validate his feelings and avoid becoming defensive or dismissive.

How can I save my marriage when my husband wants out? ›

How To Save Your Marriage If Your Spouse Wants To Leave
  1. Hang in There a Little Longer. My experience over twenty years with thousands of couples tells me that most people who give up do it too soon. ...
  2. Work on the PIES. No, not literal pie. ...
  3. Be as Understanding and Accepting as You Can Be. The key to love is acceptance.
Mar 10, 2024

When your marriage loses its spark? ›

If you feel the spark has gone, consider improving communication, having more fun with your partner, and connecting through minor surprises and achievements. If you still struggle or aren't sure if you want to continue your relationship, you can also reach out to a counselor for further therapeutic guidance.

Is being unhappy a good enough reason for divorce? ›

Aside from being in a relationship where you or your children's safety is at risk, unhappiness may not actually be a good reason to end a relationship. Our partner was not created to make us happy, just like we are not expected to make our partners happy.

Is it healthy to stay in an unhappy marriage? ›

Staying in an unhappy marriage can result in harboring negative feelings toward the other person, frequent arguments, and conflict. A person may experience increased stress levels which may negatively impact their physical and mental health.

Can an unhappy marriage survive? ›

Staying in an unhappy marriage is a very personal decision. And as long as the marriage isn't abusive and partners are reasonably respectful of one another, it can actually work for some couples.

What percentage of people are happier after divorce? ›

The survey, which questioned 3,515 divorced adults about the impact of their marital break-up, found that nearly three-quarters of those separating more than two years ago were happier now. Splitting up within the last 2 years had left 57% of divorcees happier.

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