By Brad Browning
From The Ex Factor Guide
If you can’t tell for sure if you’re over analyzing your ex’s behavior, then check this out…
The Ex Factor Guide
6 Mistakes That Ruin Marriages (And How to Fix Them!)
Marriage can be tough and we’re all guilty of making mistakes. After all, we’re only human…
But despite what we may see on our favorite television sitcoms, the truth is that there really is no such thing as a perfect couple.
In fact, if you’re not having the occasional tiff with your spouse, then there’s probably something wrong with your relationship.
Arguments can be quite healthy for any relationship letting out steam and telling your partner directly how their mistakes have bothered you is much more productive than bottling up your emotions.
That said, there are certain mistakes, that once they’re made, there’s no undoing them.
No matter how many times you say “I’m sorry” for these types of mistakes, it won’t reverse the damage that’s already been done.
The old saying goes, “It’s easier to forgive than to forget” and unfortunately, there are certain mistakes that can be deal-breakers.
Sometimes, it’s one big mistake. And other times, it can be a series of smaller ones.
But if you and your spouse don’t work towards rectifying your mistakes as you grow together, then your marriage will begin to suffer.
You may be wondering what some of the mistakes that could end your marriage are – let’s get into them now…
It’s important to know that the only way to avoid making the same mistake twice is to acknowledge that you made a mistake and understand that what you did was wrong then never do it again.
Many of us commit the same mistake over and over again for reasons only we know. But what we fail to see is that when we commit these mistakes, we’re actually just hurting ourselves and our spouses.
So if you find yourself committing the following mistakes, take a step back and consider how your actions are possibly setting a negative tone in your marriage.
Now to get it out of the way, I’m going to start by acknowledging that cheating is clearly the big no-no of any marriage.
Yes, it’s an obvious one, but the mistakes which you’re about to discover are more overlooked than you think.
Mistake #1: Lying
Now when you say something like “I’m only saying a white lie…my spouse will never find out”, you may think that statement is true but it’s not necessarily the case.
There are circumstances in which you tell your spouse a white lie after you rationalize why it’s acceptable and get away with it.
However, the truth will come out – and when it does, your spouse will feel deceived and believe that you’ve lied about other things throughout the marriage.
You create space for doubt, which is essentially a powerful emotion that can cause your partner to have second thoughts about the marriage in general.
So how do you avoid this?
Well, practice honesty in your marriage even if it means telling your partner something that they may not want to hear.
Doing this is not only going to improve your marriage – it also means that your partner will, in turn, be more open and honest with you.
Mistake #2: Disrespect
It’s common for couples to get on each other’s nerves or bump heads, but it’s crucial to never lose respect for one another. Once the insults begin, there is no going back.
Don’t go through each other’s personal belongings looking for answers. That’s an invasion of their privacy.
And if your spouse finds out, they’re gonna have a hard time trusting you again. So, face your doubts and discuss your concerns with your spouse.
Respect each other’s space, opinions, and beliefs.
Marriage is based on a positive attitude where encouragement and respect are nurtured.
As long as there’s respect, differences are going to be accepted out of respect.
Our partners will not cheat on us; and out of respect, they’ll help us if we let them know what’s going on.
Mistake #3: Being Controlling
This is definitely one of the biggest mistakes in a marriage. Its one that’s often overlooked is when one partner tries desperately to control the other.
Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture here…
In life, we’re given opportunities – and every now and then, we come across a once-in-a-lifetime chance to better ourselves.
This may mean you might not be able to see your other half for a short period of time.
Or it could mean that your relationship hasn’t been the number one item in your priority list for a while.
But if your spouse can’t see the importance of these opportunities, then this is not a good sign.
In a healthy relationship, you should encourage each other to be the best that you can be.
You should also strive towards both of your makings, so both of your dreams come true – no matter the sacrifices.
Most times, the main trait of a controlling partner is the need to try and change who you are.
Before you start thinking “But I’m only trying to help him…”
Let me explain: it’s perfectly fine to encourage your partner to better themselves by suggesting that they get active or cut down on the Pepsi.
But it’s another thing to demand that they dress a certain way or to try and change their fundamental beliefs or values.
You married your spouse for a reason, so let them be who they are and let them do what they like.
In return, your spouse and your marriage are going to be much happier.
Mistake #4: Rejecting Your Differences
We all know a couple who seem all smiles and agreements; they’re the kind of people that go to everything go to everything together. They like the same foods, they take the same cooking classes and they watch the same TV shows.
Basically, they’re as happy as a 1950’s TV family.
“Why wasn’t I that lucky?” you may wonder to yourself.
But take a step back because things are not always as they appear to be.
In a marriage, it’s a mistake to expect your partner to like the same things as you do every minute of every day.
So what if they have a different opinion than you? That’s a good thing!
Don’t push your spouse away or criticize their opinions just because they’re different from yours. Words hurt and they can also be tough to forget.
It’s totally normal to have different interests and opinions than your spouse. If anything, it actually keeps things exciting.
To avoid conflict, it’s important to accept and embrace your spouse’s differences. Not only does it make for a healthy relationship, but it allows you to be you.
Just because you have different interests or different opinions, it doesn’t mean that you and your spouse are not compatible – and it’s okay to change your mind on things.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Your Social Life
We’ve all seen happened before where one of our friends disappears off the scene. They stop turning up to events, their behavior changes, and you realize they’re not the same person they once were.
Now some people laugh about it and say it’s a case of being “whipped”, but this kind of behavior in married couples is a lot more serious in common than many of us want to believe.
See here’s the thing, just because you’re married doesn’t change the fact that we, as humans, are social beings.
Now, this isn’t to say that your spouse should be hitting the bars every weekend.
But having a night out with old-time buddies every now and then should not be interpreted as a sign of boredom or a reason for jealousy.
Sure, their banter may include, you know, small complaints about married life. But that’s healthy – just think of it as a free and friendly therapy.
Your spouse’s friends are an outlet for them to express their feelings and share their stories.
And believe it or not, taking away these things from your spouse will only secretly eat away at them. In the long run, it’ll actually hinder your marriage.
Besides, do you really want to have to listen to your other half? You know, ramble on about football or dissect the latest Justin Bieber album?
Last but certainly not the least is…
#6: Mismanaging Expectations and Responsibilities
Don’t assume that one person is responsible for everything in the relationship. Both partners should share responsibilities.
In some instances, one spouse handles things maybe a little more than the other, but it’s up to the couple’s discretion.
Nevertheless, expecting one spouse to do it all is very unreasonable. I mean, if that’s the case, why be married at all?
You’re a team, remember?
Now, I’d also like to take the opportunity to share an important message with you.
If you – or someone you know – wants to the learn the secret to rekindling your ex’s attraction for you – and get him back in your life, watch this now…
Video: Secrets To Getting Your Ex Partner Back
You’ll discover some brilliant (but ethical) psychological techniques that’ll help get back an estranged ex. You’ll also learn how to talk to him and get him to think of you romantically again.
