Marriage Problems: Subtle Signs and What to Do
We all know the big flashing red signs that our marriage has problems and is headed down a critical path.
Maybe even headed for divorce.
But do we know the more subtle signs that many often miss?
These are marriage problems that people either miss completely or take for granted because they are not important enough to amount to a serious issue in their relationship.
If we don’t learn to be cognizant of minor issues, they can quickly grow into big issues.
Sometimes we may not realize it until it’s too late.
So, recognizing and addressing these marriage problems early might be the intervention that saves the relationship.
Also, solving these issues would hopefully keep problems that ultimately lead to divorce.
Here Are 5 Common But Subtle Marriage Problems To Watch Out For
Marriage Problems #1: Communication
Communication is, of course, a major issue in marriage.
Subtle shifts in how you talk to each other should be a warning sign.
Do you make assumptions about what the other person will think or say?
Then you do not have a conversation but get upset with them about their perceived reaction?
I call this “mind-reading”.
It is unhealthy and leads to bigger resentments and communication issues.
If the couple has a conversation, they are often surprised by their partner’s reaction.
Do you become automatically defensive when your partner asks or says something?
You are mind-reading again.
You are attributing the worst possible connotation to what they are saying when it actually might be harmless.
Ask for clarification before becoming defensive and upset.
Also, if you notice that more and more of your conversations end in bickering, it is time to take a step back.
Think about how you speak to each other.
Understand what it means to be a good listener, and learn to be an effective communicator.
Marriage Problems #2: Lack of Appreciation
I almost always have couples do an exercise for a week, where they have to tell each other something they appreciate about the other person once a day.
It can be face to face, in a note, an e-mail, or even through SMS.
People grumble at first.
However, they often say they love exercise and want to make it a part of their lives.
Typically, during the week, things came out that each partner did not know the other person appreciated about them.
Then it creates warm feelings toward each other again.
I bring up this exercise because not feeling loved and appreciated is another common warning sign that things are headed down a troubled path.
When we do not feel appreciated, we feel taken for granted, frustrated, and even angry.
A simple thank you and acknowledgment go a long way.
Also, never stop saying “thank you” for the small things your partner does for you.
Appreciation and gratitude never go out of style and can never be assumed.
I don’t care if your partner has made your to-go cup of coffee for you every day for seven years.
You should still thank them each time.
It is not their job.
They do it because they care about you and are trying to make your day easier.
Marriage Problems #3: Unequal Distribution of Work
If you feel the marriage is one-sided and you are the only one doing all the heavy lifting, this needs to be addressed.
Don’t just sit and stew in resentment and anger.
Do you feel like you take care of all the household needs or make all the plans for your and your family’s lives?
If you think you take the brunt of responsibilities on yourself without help, you need to discuss this productively.
In this type of conversation, focus on the solution, not the problem.
By this, I mean come to the table knowing what you need help with.
Know what things you are doing are heated issues for you and that you could use help.
Let them know when and how they can offer help.
This helps them see what they are doing in a non-defensive way and lays a clear path for what they could do to make things better.
This conversation can have a profoundly positive impact on how you feel about your partner and your relationship.
Marriage Problems #4: You Don’t Feel Like a Priority
Do you feel you are not as high on your partner’s priority list as several other things?
No one wants to feel like this, and no one handles this feeling very well.
The belief that you are low on the priority list can lead to a path of divorce or separation.
The partner may even believe they don’t matter, as they are low on the list of what matters most.
The fact is, hopefully, your perception is far from the truth.
Your partner may not realize they have lost that vital balance between work, your relationship, friends, and personal interests.
They need to know how you are feeling and, again, what they can do to remedy the situation that makes you feel like you are a priority in their lives.
These feelings are genuine and very strong, and addressing them is essential.
Each of us needs to know that we are loved.
That we matter to the person, we are with.
Sometimes a few subtle changes can make a world of difference.
Marriage Problems #5: Past Issues
If you and your partner cannot leave the past in the past, this can lead to trouble.
If you want a future with someone, you need to work through old issues and then genuinely leave them there.
Do not say that things are settled and resolved; add it to your arsenal of issues you pull out whenever you disagree.
If you have agreed a matter is settled, be a person who is worth their word.
Leave it in your past and move forward, as the alternative is unhealthy.
Also, you are adding to the subtle trouble sign of arguing about off-topic things.
If you are going to disagree, disagree about that issue and nothing else.
Stay on-topic.
Don’t dredge up the past or other non-related things to build your “defense.”
Also, never resort to name-calling and personal attacks.
This only serves to create hurt feelings and resentments between you.
It also doesn’t help in finding a resolution to the issue that started the disagreement.
Staying on topic helps resolve marriage problems and avoids further damage to the unneeded or unwarranted relationship.
If you care about this person, why would you want to hurt them JUST to win an argument?
It does not seem worth it in the big picture.
What to do now?
While this is not an exhaustive list of subtle warning signs, it covers the most common complaints and marriage problems I see.
Addressing them and being mindful of which exist now, or will exist in the future, gives you a much-needed advantage to cut these issues off before they become larger obstacles.
It also serves as a means of strengthening your relationship.
Learn the tools and skills you should use with your partner throughout your life.
Putting these tools and techniques into practice might be the key to a strong and lasting relationship – over one that ends up headed down the path of divorce.
