Negative Behaviors Which Affect Marital Relationships
by Lisa Henson, LPC
Negative behaviors can significantly impact the quality and longevity of a marriage. Some of the most common detrimental behaviors include:
1. Poor Communication:
- Lack of open, honest dialogue.
- Avoiding difficult conversations.
- Passive-aggressive communication.
2. Lack of Emotional Support:
- Failure to empathize with a partner's feelings.
- Not providing encouragement or understanding during tough times.
3. Infidelity:
- Emotional or physical affairs.
- Breach of trust leading to resentment and insecurity.
4. Financial Mismanagement:
- Secretive spending or debt accumulation. - Disagreements over financial priorities.
5. Disrespect:
- Name-calling, belittling, or humiliating a partner.
- Dismissing a partner’s opinions and feelings.
6. Neglect:
- Not spending quality time together.
- Ignoring the needs and desires of a partner.
7. Controlling Behavior:
- Excessive jealousy or possessiveness.
- Monitoring and restricting a partner’s actions.
8. Lack of Intimacy:
- Physical and emotional distance.
- Avoidance of sexual relations or affection.
9. Substance Abuse:
- Alcoholism or drug addiction.
- Impacting reliability, behavior, and emotional stability.
10. Unresolved Conflicts:
- Allowing grudges to fester.
- Avoiding conflict resolution, leading to growing resentment.
11. Dishonesty:
- Lying or hiding important information.
- Eroding trust and creating suspicion.
12. Criticism and Blame:
- Constantly pointing out a partner’s flaws.
- Assigning blame without acknowledging one's own faults.
13. Imbalance of Responsibilities:
- Unequal division of household chores or parenting duties.
- Leading to feelings of unfairness and frustration.
14. Lack of Appreciation:
- Taking a partner for granted.
- Failing to recognize and express gratitude for a partner's contributions.
15. Incompatibility in Goals and Values:
- Differing views on major life decisions (e.g., children, career paths).
- Fundamental disagreements on values and priorities.
16. Unaddressed Mental Health Issues:
-Refusing to take medication or seek help for mental health needs
- Not acknowledging mental health needs which affect the entire family
Addressing these behaviors often requires self-awareness, willingness to change, and sometimes professional help such as couples therapy. Effective communication, mutual respect, and continuous effort to understand and meet each other's needs are crucial for maintaining a healthy marriage. However, when there is unwillingness to change or only one partner is trying or committed to change the marital relationship breaks down. If this continues it can have very detrimental effects on the relationship and cause questions of prolonging or ending the marriage.
Before you consider taking the next step toward divorce I strongly encourage you to attend the Second Saturday workshop via zoom. As a counselor, I often encourage individuals to form a plan, even something simple, to address their issues. This is beneficial in two ways as it helps to address the fears of the unknown, and provides answers which might help to know how to proceed forward. By attending the Second Saturday workshop not only will you be presented with knowledge from professionals, but you will also receive the support of knowing you are not alone in this process.
Lisa Henson, LPC and Money Matters Wealth Solutions are separate entities and are not affiliated.
This content was generated with AI assistance. While we strive for accuracy, AI may not capture all current laws and market conditions. This information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial advice. Always consult a licensed financial advisor for decisions tailored to your unique situation and goals. AI is used to enhance insights, not replace professional guidance.