Marital Strife: 12 Things that Cause the Biggest Problems in Marriage

Marriage is a lifetime commitment, but there will always be issues when two people join their lives together and attempt to compromise on their goals and dreams. 

These 12 issues cause the most marital strife; if you can overcome them, you can have a lifetime of bliss. 

Lack of Communication

Couple talking with graphics on each side showing their different thought processes.
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Some married people don’t even talk to each other. They make assumptions, do their own thing, and never even consider their partner’s thoughts and ideas. 

No Effort

A coupld sits on opposite ends of a couch looking way from each other.
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People see marriage as the finish line, so they stop trying once they’ve said their vows.  You must always try to improve your partner’s life for a successful marriage. 

Shouldn’t Be Married

A guilty looking man shrugs his shoulder as if he doesn't really care that what he did is wrong.
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Some folks get married because society tells them they should, not because they want to. These folks and their partners would be better off single. 

Selfishness

Selfish looking woman wearing a crown.
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Marriage is give and take. If one person refuses to give and constantly takes, the marriage won’t last. 

Wife Appliance

A wife sadly holds a basket of laundry while her husband naps on the couch.
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Millions of women walk away from their marriages because they’re sick of being treated like an appliance. Their husbands see them as fixtures designed to enhance their lives and refuse to contribute around the house. 

Weaponized Incompetence

Confused looking mad scratching his head.
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Some men pretend they don’t know how to do basic tasks to avoid helping. Their wives start seeing them as children who add to their burden. 

Ego

Handsome man smugly admiring himself in the mirror.
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If we can safely drop our ego anywhere, it should be at home. Unfortunately, many people can’t do it, so they refuse to apologize if their behavior hurts their loved ones and refuse to admit to any wrongdoing at all. 

Outside Interference

Two women standing next to each other wearing white shirts on a pink background. One has grey hair, representing a mother, and the other has dark hair, representng a daughter.
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Even the strongest marriages struggle with the burden of outside interference. In-laws can cause a lot of strife, especially if the couple isn’t on the same page about interacting with them. 

Money

A sad man watching money fly out of his wallet.
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Financial problems are oft-cited as the top reason for divorce. Different ideas about money lead to many arguments about spending, saving, and investing. If you can’t get on the same page, the marriage may not last. 

Expecting Your Partner to Be Everything

Close up of man holding a woman's head in an intimate embrace but something is slighlty off about it like's it more aggressive than it should be.
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Many people think their spouse should be their everything: friend, lover, therapist, doctor, social planner, housekeeper, chef, etc. 

No person can be everything to another person. Humans need robust social lives to thrive. 

Dishonesty

A woman stands shocked in disbelief with her mouth wide open and her eyes wide.
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People change, but some hide who they are until they get the ring. Many complain that their spouse pulled a complete 180 immediately after the wedding. 

Don’t lie about who you are to get married. Find someone who wants to be with the real you. 

Wrong Priorities

A couple sits at the breakfast table. She's trying to make him happy by giving him breakfast but he doesn't care.
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When you’re in a marriage, you must prioritize your partner and your relationship. Far too many people get hitched and then ignore their partner. Everyone and everything comes first: work, their parents, friends, a hobby, and then they wonder why their partner leaves. 

Warning Signs it’s Weaponized Incompetence

Man tilting his head and making a confused face.
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Not sure if your partner is truly dumb or just pretending to be dumb to escape work? Here are some warning signs that it’s weaponized incompetence

Is Your Relationship Toxic?

An angry man stands behind the couch, yelling at a woman who is sitting on the couch with her hands over her ears.
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Check the warning signs and find out if you’re in a toxic relationship

Love isn’t Enough

man smiling holding a heart cut out over his heart on a red background to show he's in love
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People always say love is enough and that there’s someone out there who will love you for who you are. Find out why that’s not true. 

Women Are Leaving Their Husbands In Droves

Happy woman with her hand on a roller suitcase.
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Walk away wife syndrome is all about weaponized incompetence. Women are fed up and leaving men who don’t contribute. 

Here’s what women say about it

Complex Feelings About Being a Female Breadwinner

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As female breadwinners are on the rise, it’s important to discuss the complex feelings that can arise when we shrug off societal expectations
 

Source: Reddit

Author: Melanie Allen

Title: Journalist

Expertise: Pursuing Your Passions, Travel, Wellness, Hobbies, Finance, Gaming, Happiness

Melanie Allen is an American journalist and happiness expert. She has bylines on MSN, the AP News Wire, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and numerous media outlets across the nation and is a certified happiness life coach. She covers a wide range of topics centered around self-actualization and the quest for a fulfilling life.