5 Surprising Things That Are Killing Your Marriage (And How to Fix Them)

Like any other relationship, marriages experience moments of trial that can challenge the flexibility of the connection in couples. Such issues, therefore, must be accosted as they emerge to prevent causing a negative impact on the intimate relationship that couples expect to have. Here are five surprising factors that may be undermining your marriage, along with strategies to address them:

1. Non-discussion of issues regarding finance

A study shows that money issues are some of the most common causes of conflicts in marriages. Paying the subject off does not necessarily mean that they will be able to avoid talking about money.

• Solution: Set up time for formal and informal money talks with your spouse or partner. Treat these discussions collectively in the name of achieving the intended objectives with open dialogue. Discussing a couple’s budget, it might be useful to open common checking and savings accounts for household expenses coupled with separate checking and savings accounts to have one’s own money for personal use.

2. Conflict and Lack of Communication

Thus, it can be stated that a failure to resolve conflicts, or, conversely, an inability to avoid conflicts, contributes to the degeneration of a marriage. This is because there are likely to be some issues that, if left unresolved, will lead to more serious issues in the future.

• Solution: Promote non-toxic communication by dealing with problems directly and with courtesy. Be empathetic, always hear your partner’s grievances, and partner for solutions. The couples can also get tools for better communication when visiting a couples therapist.

3. Neglecting Physical Intimacy

Lack of touches eliminates intimacy, hence leading to the creation of space between the two. Closeness is an essential aspect of marital happiness and, to some extent, partnership as well.

• Solution: Make sure you hug him or her and have any other form of physical contact in your day-to-day activities. Such as hand-holding, hugging, or even a light touch to show that you care can go a long way in cementing your relationship. Satisfying physical relationships keep couples close, which makes your spiritual bond strong. 

4. Disregarding Emotional Needs

Sometimes partners may take each other for granted and are no longer responsive to their partner’s emotional requirements. Such gaps can result in feelings of loneliness and discontent in the marriage.

• Solution: Ask your partner how they feel and how their emotions are doing. Give thanks, be empathetic and listen, and share important issues to help strengthen the bond. Discussed emotional needs help to avoid perceived neglect from the partner due to misunderstanding of each other’s feelings.

5. Allowing Externals to Enter the Relationship

Marital satisfaction may also be affected by outside stressors, for example, work stress or other family pressures. If these stressors are allowed to drive your interactions, there are likely to be higher levels of conflict and disconnection.

• Solution: The last area of the relationship that needs shielding from the outside world is the relationship itself. Spend time together with each other without external interference. Spend time together and do things that will help you both relax and create closeness, and learn to manage stress in the relationship.

Realization of such factors assists married couples to improve on their marriages and thus enhance a better partnership between them.

Please post your comments about your experiences and findings in the comments section below.