Biggest Marriage Problems

Communicating with each other well helps resolve marriage problems.

Marriage problems can affect newlyweds to couples who have been married for decades. Understanding what some of the biggest marriage problems are and how to resolve them can defuse some major conflicts. According to the University of Missouri, the key to a successful marriage is how couples address their conflicts and differences and resolve them. Marriage counseling might be necessary to help work through some marriage problems.

Money

Whether you are struggling or financially comfortable, money is one of the biggest problems in a marriage. Communicating with your spouse about your financial circumstances, priorities and goals are essential to understanding one another. Consider creating a budget together, doing bills as a couple and discussing big purchases. Think about using a financial consultant or planner to help you focus on mutual goals as a couple.

In-Laws

Introducing a new set of family members, or in-laws, into a couple's life might create some marriage problems. Usually in-law conflicts happen during the early years of the marriage, according to the University of Missouri. Speaking negatively about in-laws might create more marriage problems. Talk openly with each other about the type of relationship you want with your in-laws.

Housework

Having a husband creates an extra seven hours a week of housework for women, while a wife saves a man an hour of housework per week, according to a University of Michigan study cited on the Women's Health Magazine website. A feeling of inequality might lead to resentment in a relationship. Consider discussing housework responsibilities and working together to create an equal division of labor at home.

Sex

Sex is more than a physical act, it is an emotional issue for many couples. Fears of getting hurt or rejection often cause couples to avoid talking about their feelings and sexual matters. As uncomfortable as it might be to discuss sex with one another, consider communicating with each other about specific feelings in a loving, nonconfrontational manner

Children

Once a couple introduces a new child into their family, the dynamic of the marriage radically changes. New responsibilities in caring for the child might make your spouse feel left out, unappreciated or tired from the time-consuming obligation. Talk about what rules and decisions you want to enforce as parents. Avoid challenging each other's parenting styles in front of the children, otherwise children might play one parent against the other and create more marital conflict.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Creating a Strong and Satisfying Marriage
• Women's Health: 5 Common Marriage Problems Solved