Don’t Let These 5 Toxic Habits Destroy Your Marriage

Marriages end for a variety of reasons. In some cases, certain habits continued over time can build up creating a fractured relationship that is difficult, or impossible, to repair.

Some of these toxic habits are obvious, while others can build over time, until they eventually destroy your relationship and end your marriage.

Below are five common toxic habits that can destroy a marriage:

Dishonesty
Dishonesty can start off as a “little white lie” or sometimes even a way to keep the peace in your household and avoid arguments. Things like not disclosing spending, gambling, or substance use can escalate into larger secrets, and snowball into leading a double life.

This can start with a lack of communication and grow into a wedge between spouses. It can sometimes devolve into infidelity as the distance between partners grows.

It’s important to keep communication open and honest in order to maintain a relationship.

Lack of Communication
Open and honest communication is more difficult to achieve for some. We are not all trained to have great communication skills, but practicing listening, understanding, truly paying attention, and providing support, is necessary for keeping lines of communication open.

If communication turns into arguments that are never resolved, resentment can build, limiting future conversations and putting a wedge between you and your spouse.

Jealousy
A lack of trust in a relationship can manifest in jealous behavior, which can spiral into anger on both sides. Finding the source of the trust issue, whether it be insecurity or past experiences, and determining how to move past it to build a healthy, trusting relationship is imperative to not falling victim to this toxic habit.

Lack of Intimacy
Intimacy in a relationship is important. Sometimes, in the rush of day-to-day life, intimacy can wane. Losing emotional and physical intimacy can strain your relationship to the point where you no longer feel the connection of a true partner.

It’s important in a marriage to make time for intimacy. Even focusing on remembering the little things like surprising your spouse with their favorite meal or spending time together reconnecting can make all the difference of not succumbing to this habit.

Controlling Behavior
A relationship where both partners are valued and respected is key to longevity in marriage. If one spouse is always controlling, giving little consideration for the other’s feelings or preferences, it can be disastrous for the relationship.

This article covers some of the toxic relationship habits that can destroy a marriage. There are, of course, other relationship-impacting behaviors that can be cause for concern.

If you need advice on your specific situation or if you are considering filing for divorce in Michigan and need guidance on your next steps, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your unique circumstances: 248.855.5656 or [email protected].