Communication is arguably the most important aspect of a relationship. That’s why when married couples struggle with it, the end result can be divorce. A lack of communication means that even minor arguments may become major conflicts.
Outlined below are some of the common types of marital communication problems and the reasons behind them.
Lack of active listening
Hearing and listening are different things. It takes time and patience to listen to another person’s point of view and understand it. When one spouse feels ignored or dismissed, this can cause resentment. They may no longer feel like sharing intimate thoughts with their partner. Over time, this creates an emotional distance that can be difficult to overcome.
Criticism and blame
Some arguments are unavoidable, and usually there are two sides of the story. Both partners generally share at least some of the blame for most disagreements. It’s important that they acknowledge this rather than try to blame one another all the time.
If one partner has to be constantly defensive, they may lose interest in resolving disputes. Compromise is a fundamental aspect of marital communication.
High conflict
Marriages that are filled with shouting and heated arguments tend to be on borrowed time. Yelling and fights can make a household toxic. Any kind of verbal abuse is never the answer to resolving disputes
If you feel like you can no longer communicate with your spouse, then it may be time to think about protecting yourself legally. Seeking guidance on the divorce process can at least help put your mind at ease.