But that doesn’t mean your situation has to end up like someone else’s. Knowing what works and what doesn’t for your relationship, you can ward off any Ashley Madison temptation.
1. You’re Treating Each Other Like Mind Readers
When you think you know each other like the back of your hand, you tend to expect your spouse to know what you want from them. They won’t and can’t, so don’t expect it unless you clearly tell them what you want. Communicate and ask for what you need.
2. You’re Playing The Blame Game
Your marriage isn’t a whodunit. If something went wrong, take 100 percent accountability for your part in situation. It’s up to you to fix it. You can’t rely on someone else to.
3. You Got Married/Will Get Married At An Older Age
A new study shows that if you wait to marry past the age of 32, there’s a 5 percent increase in divorce rate. Maybe it’s the unwillingness to change or compromise your habits by then.
4. You’re Not Listening
If you’re not listening to each other, chances are you’re running into miscommunication big time. In order to master communication with each other, you have to learn to listen for meaning as well as what they’re telling you. I tell people to listen as if their life depends on it (because your relationship does)!
5. You’re Limiting Each Other (AKA Growth And Support)
Marriage isn’t the end of your life — it’s a new beginning. When your spouse starts a new project, be there for them in a supportive way anyway. Embrace their growth because you would want and ask for the same.
6. You’re Not Being Honest
When you start to hide things from each other, you’re walking down a deadly path. If you do something that you wouldn’t tell your spouse about it, you may not want to do it. Mystery is sexy, but secrets are deadly.
7. You’re Emotionally Withdrawing Yourself
You should never shut out your spouse/partner from your feelings. If you’re emotionally going through a trying time, reconnect with your spouse instead of looking for someone else.
8. You Don’t Date Each Other
You don’t stop dating after you get married. Dating was the fun part of your relationship, when you put your best foot forward. Set a date night each week (ideally) or at minimum monthly to keep the novelty and spark alive. (And prevent eyes and hearts from wandering.)
9. You Assume You Know Everything
Being married doesn’t mean you know everything about your spouse. People change over the years. Keep asking each other those all important questions: What do you want? Where do you see us in [x] years? What can I do for you? What is working great/what would you like to adapt or change?
10. You Give Up Too Easily
A failed marriage sometimes is due to a lack of determination to make things work when things get tough. Show that your marriage or partnership can withstand the strongest of storms. It makes your bond stronger.
Source: Information Nigeria
