The 5 Reasons a Marriage Fails and 5 Ways to Save It

Before it's too late, learn how to identify the signs of a failing relationship and what you can do to save it.

5 Reasons Why Marriages Fail

Relationships break up due to these 5 common reasons. 

1. Lack of communication: Difficulty communicating and expressing feelings, not listening to each other, and avoiding important conversations. 
2. Lack of intimacy: A decline in physical and emotional intimacy, such as not holding hands, not being affectionate, or avoiding sexual contact. 
3. Resentment and anger: Feeling angry, resentful, or bitter towards your partner, or feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough. 
4. Avoiding each other: Spending less time together, avoiding each other's company, or having little or no shared interests or activities. 
5. Constant criticism and negative feedback: Constant criticism, blaming, and negative feedback, without any positive reinforcement, will make a partner's self-esteem wither away. 

Be Alert

Every marriage goes through tough times.  It is important to raise your awareness if your partner was having a bad day or if there is a pattern of behavior that is emotionally unhealthy.  Making that distinction will help you know when it is time to take a step back and evaluate your relationship's future.    

5 Ways to Save Your Relationship

Practice these 5 skills to improve your marriage.

1. Communicate effectively: Make an effort to communicate openly and honestly with each other. Listen actively and try to understand your partner's point of view. Avoid blaming and criticism, and instead focus on finding solutions to problems.
2. Practice self-regulation: This means taking a step back when you're feeling emotionally charged and trying to calm yourself down before responding. By doing this, it can help to prevent the situation from escalating and it can help to create a more constructive dialogue.
3. Work on building trust: Trust is an essential foundation for a strong and healthy marriage. Be honest and transparent with your partner, and work on rebuilding trust if it has been broken.
4. Spend quality time together: Make an effort to spend quality time together, whether it's going on a date night or doing a shared activity. Building a strong emotional connection can help strengthen your relationship.
5. Mutual problem-solving. Work as a team to find a solution to the issue at hand, rather than focusing on who's right or wrong. By doing this, it can help to reduce defensiveness and it can help to create a more collaborative and productive dialogue.

Summary

It's important to remember that improving a relationship takes time and effort. It's not always easy, but it's worth it when both partners are willing to work on it. It's also important to be patient and understand that progress may not happen overnight, but with consistent effort, a couple can improve their relationship and their lives.

The effort it takes to improve a relationship is not always easy.  Be patient and understand progress may not happen overnight, but with consistent effort, you can improve your relationship. If you find yourself frustrated and feeling stuck in your relationship, seek a qualified marriage counselor.  A marital therapist can help you and your partner work through conflicts by providing the tools and strategies for long-term happiness.

If you believe now could be the right time, contact Darryl Donlin, LCSW at This Is NOW Counseling by clicking on the "Request a Free Consultation" link below.  Select a time that is convenient for you to begin a conversation.