Marriage is a significant step where you spend the rest of your life with the love of your life. As exciting as this union can be, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. That’s why having a realistic picture and keeping an open mind for the hurdles that may arise along the way is vital.

With research revealing that 34% of women and 33% of men who’ve ever married have been divorced, it would be prudent to know the common problems married couples face so that you can be adequately prepared. Here are some of the most common marital problems worth knowing.

1. Dwindled intimacy

Sex matters, but it’s not the sole determinant of intimacy. Unfortunately, this is a major confusing point for inexperienced couples in the early years of marriage. On the contrary, a strong emotional connection is the foundation of healthy intimacy between married couples.

The question, therefore, is, what premeditates dwindling intimacy in a marriage? Many couples lose their spark primarily due to several factors that negatively impact their emotions. For example, medical problems, financial issues, parenting troubles, and work stress, among others, are the usual causes of dwindled intimacy.

It can be challenging to revive the spark when everything seems to be in a rut. However, it’s not all doom and gloom only if both parties are willing to reconnect and bring back the intimacy. Make intimacy a priority if you want to maintain a loving marriage.

Express your feelings and be honest about your needs with your spouse. And remember that the little things like quality time, communication, creativity, and appreciation can go a long way in bringing back the spark.

2. Different life stages

Different life stages emanate from several issues that spouses haven’t yet tackled in the marriage. For instance, when a vast age difference is a problem, spouses may feel they have varied needs that the other cannot meet.

Let’s assume you are twenty years older than your wife, and you’re beginning to struggle with fitting into her younger lifestyle. She wants to party often or is extremely social and outgoing – and you believe that lifestyle is past your prime. What will you do? People who have dealt with this problem say it makes them see the other partner as immature and too carefree.

You may have grown apart and have different interests and life goals, which put you miles away from your spouse. The gradual differences you observe set the stage for marital problems. However, you can tackle this issue by agreeing to regular date nights, exploring each other’s hobbies, and deciding to enjoy your spouse’s interests and passions.

These are great ways to reconnect with your partner and eliminate the emotional distance these thoughts present. Many attest that this strategy works very well in softening common marital problems.

3. Infidelity

A 2021 report on marriage sought to find out why infidelity is so common in marriage. The study concluded that several factors account for it. Although the report established that men have higher infidelity rates, the reason for the act doesn’t differ much from the opposite gender.

Cheating in marriage is often destructive and destabilizes trust, loyalty, respect, and love. The cheating spouse may have indulged in the act in a moment of weakness, but the repercussions are not any kinder to the partner cheated on.

No matter the reason for the sexual affair with someone outside the marriage, it’s important to acknowledge that your relationship with your spouse goes back to square one. The cheated-on spouse goes through a cycle of pain and betrayal that never seems to go away. Even when both of you decide to work through the situation, anything can trigger the memory and destroy any progress made.

Many couples cannot overcome infidelity, leading to divorce and broken families, making it essential to consider how you can completely avoid infidelity in your marriage. It sounds like a challenging commitment, but it’s worth the attempt to avoid divorce. Emotional distance is a precursor to cheating, so be conscious about it when you feel disconnected from your spouse.

It’s worth noting that sex outside marriage is not the only thing that counts for infidelity. Emotional affairs are also considered infidelity and a betrayal of your spouse. Have an honest and open conversation with your partner and let them know how emotionally disconnected you feel.

Doing this creates a platform for the other to be aware of the problem and work to improve. Moreover, you will feel at peace knowing you got all that out of your system, making it easier to start afresh and try again, no matter how challenging.

4. Disrespecting boundaries

When a spouse feels controlled or dictated to in a marriage, it stirs disrespect and conflict. Some spouses fail to acknowledge that their partners are distinct individuals who deserve to have their boundaries respected.

There is a high potential to erode trust when you overstep your partner’s boundaries. That’s because your partner may feel restricted when they don’t have the room to independently decide the little things like what to wear, eat, and places to go, and are made to feel they don’t have a say in their personal matters.

As this develops, your partner may struggle to express themselves without fearing judgment. Do you go through your partner’s phone without their knowledge or transfer money from their bank account without mentioning it to them first? Do you often go overboard in your daily dealings with your spouse?

Finally, are you even aware of your constant overstepping of their boundaries? Mutual respect is key in any marriage, and it can solve this problem without escalating to a point where the marriage is annulled. Let your partner know if you feel they’re disrespecting your boundaries.

On the other hand, you should also be receptive to feedback when your spouse opens up about their feelings and concerns. This point is especially crucial to reduce the likelihood of you both going your separate ways.

However, if you both decide that separating is the best option when all else fails, learning to respect boundaries can become one of several practical tips on how to have an amicable divorce.

5. Money problems

As the saying goes, money doesn’t solve all common marital problems. Even in marriages where both spouses are financially sound, money can still become a problem, depending on how you view it. These problems present differently in marriages, and you’re about to discover how. Lack of money brings stress, anxiety, anger, and frustration.

On the other hand, too much of it can be another headache. You might have issues with your spouse’s spending habits. They may appear inconsiderate about their excessive lifestyles, which poses several problems for your marriage’s financial future.

For instance, if your wife or husband constantly makes expensive purchases or dips into your emergency funds to embark on luxury trips, there’s a problem. Are you the sole breadwinner for the family, but your partner fails to acknowledge your contribution to keeping the home?

Try to resolve your financial problems by having an honest conversation with your spouse. Discuss your finances, future goals, mortgage, and anything else that’s got to do with money. Let them understand how you feel about their money management skills.

Marriage counselors say the money discussion is crucial even before walking down the aisle. It would help if you knew your partner’s strengths and weaknesses, especially concerning financial management. That way, you will have a good idea of how to complement them as the marriage progresses.

Managing Common Marital Problems

Understanding and addressing these 5 common challenges to your marriage is key to fostering a strong, enduring partnership. From intimacy struggles to financial woes, each obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and connection. By maintaining open and honest communication, showing mutual respect, and working together as a team, couples can navigate these issues successfully.

Remember that marriage is a journey, and these challenges are a part of that journey. Embrace them as opportunities to strengthen your bond and create a more fulfilling and resilient relationship. With commitment and effort, you can build a marriage that thrives, even in the face of common marital problems, and enjoy a lifetime of love and companionship.