Marriage Issues

Marriage seems like such a natural part of life, and most people choose to get married. So how is it that such a common relationship can be so complex?

Most of us strive to create a good marriage without acknowledging the fact that individuals are complex. When two individuals come together in a marriage, they imagine everything will be wonderful. Most of us don't enter marriage expecting that our differences will make such a difference! But if we come from different backgrounds—families of origin, habits, ways of celebrating holidays, methods for resolving conflict—we may have some issues to address.

Five Passages of Marriage

Minirth, Meier, and Arterburn have identified five passages of marriage:

These passages describe the course of the vast majority of marriage relationships. As individuals move through each passage, they also move through specific conditions common to the human race: children, forgiveness, intimacy, conflict, crisis, and memories.

Tools for Successful Marriage

Some of the tools required to meet the tasks of navigating the passages are attitude adjustments, behavioral changes, conflict resolution, communication, forgiveness, closeness, and flexibility. The good news is that you can learn the skills required to create and maintain a healthy marriage.

Suggestions for a healthy marriage:

• Commit to a spiritual growth.
• Vote. Marriage takes work.
• Become a team.
• Schedule time for one another.
• Build a sexual union.
• Prioritize time schedules.
• Communicate (active listening).
• Confront problems.
• Avoid controlling behavior.
• Establish common ground.

If you or your spouse has trouble processing emotions during times of conflict, seek counsel. An unbiased professional can assist in gaining resolution to problems. Christian counseling offers knowledge, hope, and spiritual power in resolving marital challenges. We offer a safe and compassionate atmosphere to discuss problems and attain success in your life and marriage.