6 Common Marital Problems and What to Do

Although we all strive for perfection, there is no perfect marriage. Perfection is an illusion. There will be issues, but how you manage those problems will predict how long and how strong your marriage will last.

Knowing common marital problems can give you and your spouse a jumping-off point to discuss these problems before they occur.

6 Common Marital Problems

Although common, marital problems can feel like the end of the world when it is happening to you. Communicating about issues before they worsen, seeking counseling when problems arise, and committing to one another can help your marriage navigate the rocky parts.

The following are several common marital problems to keep in mind.

Lack of Emotional Intimacy

Emotional intimacy is the tie that binds you to someone. It is the “he or she gets me” vibe. It’s the little touches as you pass, the unspoken words, and the eye contact that say so much. Emotional intimacy can strengthen your marriage during the golden years when your bodies are frailer and you only have each other to lean on. A lack of emotional intimacy can lead a spouse to seek that connection from someone else.

Lack of Physical Intimacy

A lack of physical intimacy can create marital problems. Sex within marriage is good, and the Bible points out not to deprive each other of sexual relations unless agreed (1 Corinthians 7:5). There is a connection between husband and wife that is strengthened when they come together physically. When we avoid sex or one spouse withholds from another, temptation can arise. Lack of physical intimacy can lead to infidelity and affairs.

Financial Stress

Financial stress strains a marriage. When money is tight, couples might blame each other or work tirelessly to make ends meet, ultimately neglecting one another. Feelings of inadequacy can arise when you don’t feel that you can meet your family’s needs or when you can’t make the mortgage or electric bill payments.

Parenting Clashes

How you discipline your children can vary widely from the way your spouse disciplines them. Parenting clashes create tension in the home. Children pick up on this tension and react. Younger children may misbehave or cling to one parent, while teenagers may become argumentative or play parents against each other to get what they want.

Lack of Communication

Lack of communication could be the most common marital problem. Learning how to communicate and resolve conflict constructively is critical for your marriage. Assumptions, grudges, and the silent treatment will not resolve anything. Aim to learn communication skills in marriage counseling to voice your concerns and needs, encourage your spouse, and build a foundation that will last.

External Factors

External factors, such as work-related stress, in-laws and extended family, family issues, and stressful life events, can strain a marriage almost to the breaking point. Setting boundaries and agreeing upon those boundaries will help. Also, working together as a unit during significant life changes will help, such as the death of a parent or child, loss of a job, or a big move. The relationship can strain when several life events occur in a short period of time, even good ones.

Marriage Counseling in Allen, Texas

Counseling shouldn’t be another marital problem. Marriage counseling with caring theapists is available at Texas Christian Counseling, Allen. You can choose in-person or virtual sessions to fit your schedule.

Don’t wait until marital problems make your relationship seem hopeless. Contact us at Texas Christian Counseling in Allen, Texas today to get started.