3 Behaviors That Mean the End of a Marriage
When two people first get together, there is a lot of love between them. They may have great communication and truly enjoy being around each other. They may feel as though they are a match made in heaven.
Relationships don’t stay happy and uplifting forever. Things change over time. Situations change. People change. The seven-year itch is a real thing. After a few years of marriage, you may discover that your spouse is no longer the person you married.
There may be increased tension in the air. You may feel resentful of your spouse. You may feel negative toward them. You may avoid communicating with them about important issues.
There are three main behaviors that could signal the end of your marriage. Here’s a look at them in more detail.
Resentment
In a healthy relationship, the partners are able to communicate effectively. In a strained marriage, there is miscommunication, which can breed resentment. Resentment refers to anger and bitterness caused by unmet needs.
Resentment can stem from a variety of issues. It can come from unresolved conflicts, financial disagreements, infidelity, unfair division of labor, and emotional neglect. Lack of appreciation is another cause of resentment. Partners may cling to grudges, creating disconnect and negative emotions. Resentment becomes a cycle that’s hard to get out of.
Contempt
Some people feel contempt for their spouse. They may be critical of everything they do or say. The problem is that when one person starts the criticism, the other partner may fight back with contempt of their own. This turns into a negative cycle that can destroy a marriage.
This degree of negativity is deeply troubling. It can quickly erode a marriage while damaging a person’s self-esteem and well-being. Common statements may include:
- You’re always screwing things up.
- You’re so stupid, you can’t do anything right.
- You don’t do anything, you’re so lazy.
Avoidance
Do you ever ignore your partner? Do you have days where you just want to be on your own, away from them? This is called avoidance and it can be detrimental to a relationship’s health and long-term stability. People may engage in avoidance to avoid criticism and keep the peace in their marriage. However, this can lead to communication issues and emotional distance.
Avoidance can be incredibly damaging as it stifles communication and creates a disconnect between partners. When one or both partners consistently avoid addressing issues or expressing their feelings, resentment can build.
Seek Legal Help
Sometimes it’s hard to know when to divorce. Those who are married need to be aware of behaviors that could signal the end of their marriage.
Ending a marriage is never easy, but Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you end your marriage with less stress. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling 954-764-4330.
Source:
psychologytoday.com/us/blog/liking-the-child-you-love/202403/the-3-red-flags-of-a-declining-relationship?amp