70 Signs of A Bad Marriage (With Tips & Examples)

Have you ever sat in a room filled with laughter only to notice two people silently staring in opposite directions, their tension palpable?

Not all troubled marriages come with screaming matches or dramatic showdowns. Sometimes, the most telling signs are subtler, lurking beneath a calm surface.

In this exploration, we’ll delve deep into the silent indicators and overlooked signals of a struggling union, guiding you through the intricacies of what might be going on behind closed doors.

Buckle up; it’s time to uncover the unseen.

Communication Issues

1. You Stop Communicating About Important Matters

When you avoid discussing significant events or feelings, it indicates that there’s a barrier in your communication. Open dialogue about essential topics ensures that both parties are on the same page. By refraining from such conversations, you may create room for misunderstandings.

Tip: Set aside dedicated time to check in on important matters regularly. This can be a weekly or monthly "relationship check-in" where both of you share updates and feelings.

2. You Keep Secrets

Hiding truths or keeping secrets can erode trust over time. Trust is a vital foundation for any relationship, and once it’s broken, it can be challenging to rebuild. Secrets can lead to feelings of betrayal or disappointment.

3. Your Conversations Are Only Transactional

If your conversations revolve solely around routine tasks, like grocery lists or bills, it’s a sign of fading emotional connection. While it’s essential to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, a relationship also needs deeper and more meaningful exchanges.

Practical Example: Instead of just asking about the chores, ask about their day, their feelings, or a topic they're passionate about. This can reignite genuine conversations.

4. You’re Dismissive of Each Other’s Feelings

Dismissing or belittling each other’s feelings is a red flag. Every individual has the right to feel and express emotions, and it’s crucial for the other person to listen and validate those feelings.

Tip: Practice active listening. This means giving your full attention, avoiding interruptions, and showing empathy.

5. You Avoid Certain Topics

Actively avoiding specific subjects indicates underlying issues. Whether it’s because of fear of conflict or emotional discomfort, dodging these topics will only postpone the inevitable discussion or misunderstanding.

6. You Don’t Ask for or Give Advice

Seeking advice from one another strengthens trust and shows you value the other person’s opinion. Conversely, if you stop seeking or giving advice, it might mean there’s a lack of trust or an emotional disconnect.

7. You Hesitate to Discuss the Relationship’s Health

Being open about your relationship’s status is essential. If you’re hesitant to bring up any issues or discuss the health of the relationship, it might indicate fear of confrontation or lack of trust.

Tip: Consider couples therapy or counseling. Having a neutral third party can help guide productive conversations.

8. You Feel Relief When Conversations Are Short

If you feel relief when conversations end quickly, it’s a sign of communication fatigue. It may indicate that you’re avoiding deeper issues or that conversations have become stressful.

9. You Avoid Discussing the Past

The past can be full of both happy memories and regrets. If you consistently avoid discussing past events, especially if they relate to the relationship, it might indicate unresolved issues.

Practical Example: Sharing a fond memory from the early days of your relationship can reignite the connection and provide a platform to discuss any past grievances.

Emotional Distance & Disconnect

1. You Avoid Each Other

When two people intentionally avoid each other, it’s a sign that there’s discomfort or unresolved tension. This can lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness, even within the confines of a relationship.

2. You Feel Alone Even When You’re Together

A relationship should offer companionship and comfort. If you feel lonely even when you’re physically with your partner, it indicates a deep emotional disconnect, and the bond might be weakening.

Tip: Initiate open conversations about your feelings. It's a step towards understanding and resolving the underlying issues causing loneliness.

3. You Live Parallel Lives

When two people live like roommates, with minimal interaction or shared experiences, it means they’re leading parallel lives. This can lead to a weakened emotional bond and sense of detachment.

4. You’re Indifferent to Your Partner’s Needs

Ignoring or being indifferent to your partner’s needs, both emotional and physical, is a clear sign of growing apart. Relationships thrive on mutual care and understanding.

Tip: Spend time understanding what your partner values. Small gestures, like making their favorite meal or planning a date, can make a big difference.

5. You’ve Stopped Saying “I Love You”

Expressing love is fundamental in a romantic relationship. If you’ve stopped saying these three crucial words, it might indicate waning feelings or an emotional guard being up.

Did You Know? Regular verbal affirmations of love can reinforce the emotional bond between partners.

6. You Don’t Look Forward to Spending Time Together

In a loving relationship, time spent together is cherished. If you no longer look forward to it or even dread it, it indicates growing emotional distance.

7. You Don’t Engage in Mutual Hobbies Anymore

Shared hobbies create bonding moments. If you’ve stopped engaging in these activities, it can suggest a drift in the relationship and a lack of shared joy.

Tip: Revisit old hobbies or find new ones to enjoy together. This can reignite the connection and offer shared memories.

8. You Don’t Prioritize Each Other’s Happiness

In a loving relationship, partners often find joy in each other’s happiness. If this no longer holds true, it might mean there’s a detachment or a lack of empathy.

9. You Feel a Stronger Connection with Someone Outside the Marriage

If you find emotional solace or a deeper connection with someone outside the marriage more than with your partner, it’s a sign of emotional infidelity and indicates a severe rift in the primary relationship.

Tip: Seek counseling or therapy to understand the roots of this connection and address any issues within your relationship.

10. You Withhold Affection as Punishment

Using affection, or the lack thereof, as a tool for punishment is a manipulative behavior. It can cause significant emotional harm and shows a lack of healthy communication in the relationship.

Trust & Respect Issues

1. Infidelity Occurs

Infidelity, whether emotional or physical, is a significant breach of trust in a relationship. It introduces doubt and can deeply wound the partner on the receiving end, leading to a range of emotional and relational issues.

2. There’s a Lack of Trust

Trust is the backbone of any relationship. If you find yourself constantly doubting your partner’s words or actions, it indicates a deeper issue. A relationship without trust is like a building without a foundation, unstable and prone to collapse.

Practical Example: If you always doubt when your partner says they're working late, it's worth having a conversation to address these feelings and get to the root of the mistrust.

3. You Mock or Belittle Each Other

Mutual respect is as essential as love in a relationship. Mocking or belittling your partner can degrade their self-worth and shows a lack of regard for their feelings.

4. You Undermine Each Other in Public

Undermining your partner in public can be deeply embarrassing and hurtful. It not only disrespects your partner but also shows a lack of unity in your relationship with others.

Did You Know? Publicly supporting and uplifting each other can strengthen your bond and present a united front, enhancing the respect others have for your relationship.

5. You Feel the Need to Check Your Partner’s Phone

Checking your partner’s phone without their knowledge indicates a lack of trust and respect for their privacy. This behavior can drive a wedge between partners and lead to confrontations.

Tip: Instead of snooping, open a dialogue with your partner about your concerns. Transparency and communication are keys to building trust.

6. You’re Overly Critical of Each Other

Constant criticism can wear down an individual’s self-esteem. While feedback is essential in a relationship, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and hurtful remarks.

7. You Feel the Need to “Walk on Eggshells”

If you constantly fear upsetting your partner and tread carefully around certain topics or behaviors, it indicates an unhealthy dynamic. Feeling like this can lead to suppressed emotions and prevent open communication.

8. You Dismiss Each Other’s Opinions

Disregarding your partner’s views or feelings shows a lack of respect. In a healthy relationship, both partners’ opinions are valued and considered, even if there’s a disagreement.

Tip: Practice active listening and validate your partner's feelings. Even if you disagree, acknowledging their viewpoint can foster mutual respect.

Conflict & Argumentation

1. Your Arguments Increase in Frequency and Intensity

Disagreements are natural in any relationship. However, if you find that arguments between you and your partner are becoming more frequent and intense, it’s a sign that underlying issues aren’t being resolved. This can lead to accumulated resentment and further discord.

2. You’re in a Cycle of Blame

Constantly blaming each other without taking personal responsibility can create a toxic cycle. This prevents the resolution of problems and can lead to feelings of defensiveness and frustration.

Practical Example: Instead of saying, "You always forget our anniversary," try saying, "I feel hurt when our special days aren't remembered. How can we work on this together?"

3. You Use Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Passive-aggressive behavior, like giving silent treatment or making sarcastic remarks, can erode the foundation of trust and open communication in a relationship. It’s a covert way of expressing anger or resentment without addressing the actual issue.

Tip: If you're upset or frustrated, openly communicate your feelings with your partner. Direct communication is more effective and reduces misunderstandings.

4. You Dread Holidays or Special Occasions Together

Special occasions should be times of joy and celebration. If you dread spending holidays or milestones like anniversaries with your partner, it indicates deeper issues. It may be because past events led to arguments, or there’s an anticipation of conflict.

Physical & Intimacy Issues

1. There’s a Lack of Physical Intimacy

Physical intimacy plays a vital role in maintaining the bond and connection between partners. If you or your partner seem disinterested in touch, hugging, kissing, or more, it could signal deeper issues, either emotional or physical, affecting the relationship.

2. You Avoid Going Home

Home should be a sanctuary, a place where you feel safe and loved. If you find yourself avoiding home because of your partner, it’s a sign of discomfort and dissatisfaction in the relationship.

Tip: Reflect on the reasons for your avoidance. Open communication with your partner about your feelings can help address the root causes and work towards resolution.

3. You Don’t Make Time for Date Nights

Making time for each other in the form of date nights or special moments is crucial for keeping the spark alive. If you or your partner consistently avoid or postpone such moments, it could indicate waning interest or deeper issues in the relationship.

Practical Example: If weekly date nights have dwindled to once a month or less, try setting a consistent schedule and alternating who plans the dates to reignite interest and commitment.

4. Intimacy is Always on One Person’s Terms

Intimacy should be a mutual experience. If one partner always dictates the terms, time, or nature of intimate moments, it can leave the other feeling disregarded or unfulfilled.

5. You Have Separate Sleeping Arrangements Without a Mutual Agreement

While some couples choose to sleep separately for various reasons and find it beneficial, if the arrangement isn’t mutually agreed upon, it can be a sign of underlying issues. It might indicate a need for personal space due to unresolved conflicts or dwindling intimacy.

Tip: If separate sleeping has become the norm without prior discussion, consider addressing the underlying reasons and seeking ways to reconnect, whether through dialogue, therapy, or shared activities.

Commitment & Future Planning

1. You Have Recurring Thoughts of Separation

Regularly contemplating separation isn’t just an occasional fleeting thought; it indicates deeper unrest. Such recurring thoughts can be symptomatic of unresolved issues or growing emotional distance between partners.

Practical Example: If every time you face an argument or challenge, your first instinct is to think about moving out or ending things, it's essential to recognize this pattern and address the root causes.

2. You Don’t Make Plans Together

Planning shared experiences, whether it’s a simple weekend getaway or buying a house, reinforces commitment. If you’ve stopped making plans together, it might indicate a lack of confidence in the relationship’s future.

Tip: To reignite mutual planning, start with small shared activities or short-term goals, gradually building up to more significant commitments.

3. You Both Have Differing Core Values

While every individual is unique, sharing core values in a relationship is crucial for harmony. Diverging fundamental beliefs or values can lead to continuous conflict and misunderstanding.

4. You’ve Stopped Discussing Dreams or Ambitions

Discussing dreams and aspirations with your partner provides a glimpse into your shared future. If such conversations have dwindled or stopped entirely, it might signal a disconnect regarding future plans and goals.

Practical Example: Earlier, you both would discuss starting a business together or traveling the world. If these discussions have ceased, it's worth revisiting shared aspirations to find common ground.

5. You Don’t Celebrate Each Other’s Achievements

Celebrating successes, big or small, shows appreciation and pride in your partner. If you or your partner no longer show enthusiasm for each other’s accomplishments, it can feel like a lack of support.

6. You Don’t Prioritize Time Together

Time is one of the most genuine gifts you can give. Not prioritizing shared moments indicates other aspects of life are taking precedence, which can lead to feelings of neglect.

Did You Know? Quality time is one of the five love languages. For many, spending meaningful time together is a primary way of feeling loved and valued.

7. You No Longer Have Mutual Goals

Shared objectives, whether financial, relational, or personal, provide direction and purpose in a relationship. If you no longer have mutual aims, it suggests that your paths might be diverging.

External Influences

1. You Compare Your Relationship to Others’ Negatively

Every relationship is unique, but if you consistently find yourself comparing your relationship to others in a negative light, it suggests discontentment. Making constant negative comparisons can undermine the genuine strengths and unique aspects of your relationship.

2. You Often Think of Past Relationships

While memories are natural, continuously reminiscing or longing for past relationships can prevent you from fully investing in the present. Being stuck in the past can impede your ability to appreciate and nurture the relationship you’re in now.

Tip: When memories surface, acknowledge them without judgment, then redirect your focus on the present and the positive aspects of your current relationship.

3. You Surround Yourself with Negative Influencers

The people you spend time with can influence your perceptions and attitudes. If you consistently surround yourself with individuals who speak negatively about relationships or undermine yours, it can taint your perspective.

Practical Example: If friends often vent about their partners or make fun of commitments, it might unconsciously affect how you view your relationship. It's essential to have a balance of perspectives in your social circle.

4. You Dread Mutual Social Engagements

Social events, like parties or gatherings, are opportunities to bond and interact with mutual friends or family. Dreading these can suggest discomfort or reluctance to be seen as a unit, indicating possible issues in your relationship.

5. You Have Separate Lives Online

While everyone deserves privacy, leading entirely separate digital lives—like not acknowledging your relationship online or having secret social accounts—can create distrust. A clear divide online might reflect deeper issues offline.

Financial Issues

1. You Have Financial Secrets or Disagreements

Money is a common source of tension in relationships. When partners keep financial secrets or consistently disagree about expenditures, savings, or investments, it suggests a lack of trust or alignment in financial goals. Financial transparency and open discussions are essential to ensure both partners feel secure and heard.

Practical Example: If one partner is secretly racking up credit card debt while the other believes they're saving for a joint venture, this can lead to significant strain when the truth comes out. It's essential to maintain open communication about finances to avoid such situations.

Isolation & Independent Behavior

1. You Keep Separate Social Circles

While it’s healthy for both partners to have their own friends, maintaining entirely separate social circles without any overlap can indicate a lack of integration or trust in the relationship. It’s essential to share parts of your life together, including friendships, to foster closeness.

2. You Compromise Your Own Needs Excessively

A successful relationship requires balance. If you always put your partner’s needs ahead of yours to the detriment of your well-being, it may point to issues of self-worth or fear of conflict.

Tip: Regularly check in with yourself and communicate your needs to your partner. Remember, it's okay to prioritize yourself sometimes.

3. You Make Major Decisions Without Consulting Each Other

Partnership means considering each other’s perspectives, especially on significant decisions. Taking actions without consulting your partner can indicate a lack of respect or a drift toward independent behavior.

Practical Example: If you decide to accept a job in a different city without discussing it with your partner, it affects not only your life but theirs as well. Communication is key.

4. You Struggle to Recall Happy Memories

Memories serve as the foundation of your shared journey. If you find it hard to remember happy times, it might indicate a focus on the negative aspects and an emotional distance that’s grown between you.

Tip: Spend time revisiting old photos, letters, or places of significance to reignite those positive memories and emotions.

5. You Seldom Compromise

Compromise is a cornerstone of successful relationships. If both of you are always sticking to your guns without finding a middle ground, it suggests a lack of flexibility and can lead to growing resentment.

6. You Rarely Make Sacrifices for Each Other

Sacrifice, when made out of love and respect, strengthens bonds. If sacrifices are rare or one-sided, it could mean that one or both of you aren’t fully invested in the relationship’s well-being.

Practical Example: If one partner consistently gives up their plans or desires to cater to the other without reciprocation, it can create feelings of being undervalued in the relationship. Mutual sacrifices help ensure balance.

Shared Activities & Mutual Interests

1. You Don’t Laugh Together Anymore

Laughter is often called the best medicine, and in relationships, it’s a bonding agent. If shared jokes and light-hearted moments have become rare, it may suggest an emotional disconnect or a lack of shared joy in the relationship.

2. You’ve Stopped Trying to Impress or Surprise Each Other

In the early stages of relationships, we often go out of our way to impress or surprise our partners. As time goes on, some of this enthusiasm can wane, but if it disappears completely, it can mean complacency has set in.

Tip: Make a conscious effort to occasionally do something special for your partner, even if it's just leaving a sweet note or planning a surprise date.

3. You Don’t Celebrate or Acknowledge Special Occasions

Special occasions, like anniversaries or birthdays, are milestones that provide opportunities to express love and appreciation. Neglecting these can signify taking each other for granted or a lack of mutual respect and value.

4. You Don’t Say “Thank You”

Gratitude is a small but impactful way to show appreciation and acknowledgment. If “thank yous” are missing from daily interactions, it might indicate a lack of respect or appreciation for each other’s efforts.

Tip: Take a moment every day to express gratitude for something your partner did, no matter how small. It's a simple way to nurture positivity in your relationship.

5. You’ve Stopped Trying to Make Each Other Laugh

Bringing joy and laughter to your partner’s life is a beautiful way to show care. If you no longer attempt to make each other smile or share joyful moments, it might hint at dwindling mutual interest or engagement.

Behavioral Patterns

1. You Find Reasons to Stay Out Late Often

Spending time apart is natural, but consistently avoiding home may point to an avoidance of the relationship. If you or your partner routinely look for reasons to stay out late, it could indicate discomfort or reluctance to engage in the relationship.

Practical Example: If every time there's a chance to work late or attend an event without your partner, you jump at the opportunity, it might be worth reflecting on why being home seems less appealing.

2. You’ve Stopped Being Each Other’s Confidant

In strong relationships, partners often confide in each other. When that trust dwindles, and you no longer share personal thoughts or concerns, it can suggest a deep-seated emotional disconnect.

3. You Harbor Feelings of Resentment

Resentment, if not addressed, can slowly erode affection. When feelings of bitterness persist, they can overshadow the positive aspects of a relationship, leading to further emotional detachment.

Tip: Regular communication is key. If you sense resentment, initiate a calm conversation with your partner. Addressing concerns openly can prevent them from festering.

4. You Avoid Discussing Boundaries

Boundaries are essential in relationships to ensure both partners feel respected and understood. Avoiding conversations about personal limits might mean fear of conflict or a lack of respect for each other’s needs.

Practical Example: Suppose one partner wants to spend weekends with their friends without discussing it first. This could lead to the other partner feeling unimportant or neglected.

5. You Constantly Reminisce About the “Good Old Days”

While it’s natural to cherish past memories, constantly comparing the present to the past may mean dissatisfaction with the current state of the relationship. It can indicate a longing for times when the relationship felt stronger or more fulfilling.

Tip: While cherishing past moments is beautiful, it’s also essential to create new memories. Plan activities or trips to renew your bond and create fresh experiences together.

6. You Often Feel Embarrassed by Your Partner

Feeling embarrassed by your partner’s actions or words suggests a misalignment in values or a lack of respect. It’s essential in a relationship to feel proud of each other and support each other’s public personas.

7. You Feel You’re Not on The Same Team

In a relationship, it’s vital to feel you’re both working towards mutual goals and supporting each other. If you often feel like you’re competing or working against each other, it hints at a lack of unity.

Practical Example: Suppose you're planning a vacation. If you're both pushing for different destinations without considering each other's preferences, it might feel like you're not in it together.

Shared Responsibilities

1. You Don’t Participate in Each Other’s Interests

Sharing each other’s passions and hobbies can strengthen bonds in a relationship. If one or both partners are disinterested in the other’s activities, it might hint at a lack of commitment to understanding and supporting each other.

Being actively engaged in what makes your partner happy can lead to a richer, more understanding bond.

Tip: To rekindle mutual interest, set aside time to introduce each other to your hobbies. This act can foster appreciation and bring about shared experiences.

2. You Avoid Shared Social Circles

Engaging in social activities together can foster a sense of partnership. When you intentionally steer clear of mutual friends or gatherings, it can indicate discomfort or a lack of unity in presenting yourselves as a couple to the world.

Practical Example: Imagine a scenario where both of you are invited to a mutual friend's party. If one of you constantly finds excuses not to attend, it might signal a reluctance to engage with shared acquaintances or a deeper underlying issue in the relationship.

Values & Perspectives

1. You Dismiss Each Other’s Worldviews

Respecting each other’s perspectives is fundamental for a healthy relationship. When partners regularly dismiss or belittle each other’s beliefs or values, it signals a deep-seated lack of respect. Mutual understanding doesn’t mean always agreeing, but it does involve acknowledging and valuing the other’s viewpoint.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of a bad marriage is crucial for personal well-being and growth. While every marriage has its ups and downs, consistent patterns of negativity, lack of communication, and emotional disconnect are strong indicators that something needs to change.

Whether it’s through professional counseling, open dialogue, or personal introspection, addressing these signs early can lead to resolution, healing, or the clarity to make informed decisions about the future of the relationship.