IS YOUR MARRIAGE IN DANGER? Part II
When your marriage is going through tough times, you may find yourself wondering if it's an instance of the "for better or for worse" your marriage vows alluded to, or if your relationship is truly on the rocks.
Although no test exists that can tell you if your problems are typical reactions to the stress and strain most marriages experience at one time or another, or if they point to more-serious issues, troubled marriages do tend to exhibit many of the same characteristics.
How many of the following statements apply to your marriage?
In your mind, your spouse just can't do anything right anymore.
You fight constantly.
You've lost the ability or the willingness to resolve your marital problems.
Resentment and contempt have replaced patience and love.
You've turned from lovers into roommates.
One or both of you is having an affair.
You go out of your way to avoid being together and, when you are together, you have nothing to talk about.
Your children are reacting to the stress in your marriage by fighting more, having difficulty in school, getting into trouble with the police, abusing drugs or alcohol, or becoming sexually promiscuous.
You have begun having thoughts about divorce.
When youre not around your partner, you act more confident and in control
Don't panic if you find that your marriage exhibits some of these characteristics you are not necessarily headed for divorce court. However, you do have cause for concern and it's time for you and your spouse, first separately and then together, to assess your options and decide what to do next.
Some couples choose to see a marriage counselor, and this can be an excellent way to figure out where exactly your marriage started to get into trouble. But you can regain the wonderfulness of your marriage yourself if you are committed to working toward that end result.