Ten Things That Could Destroy Your Marriage
Top 10 Ways to Destroy Your Marriage
We’ve spent the last four weeks addressing the common things we can do to encourage our husband to open up. We’re going to close with some really important information… the top 10 things you might be doing that will destroy your marriage if they aren’t stopped.
#10. Be on the lookout for what’s wrong instead of what’s right or good – then give voice to it.
Because research shows the brain has a more intense reaction to negative stimuli than positive, you will certainly make an impression. Maybe a lasting one. Why build someone up when you can tear them down instead?
#9. Start discussions with aggressive criticism and sarcasm, as though you expect a fight.
You’ll be sure to get one. Dr. John Gottman (the guy who can predict divorce with a 94% accuracy rating and has studied a large sample of couples for decades) calls this a “harsh startup.” While you’re at it, be sure to sarcastically predict their motives in a negative light, even if his behavior is the opposite. You’ll set them up to fail, which is what you want, right? Whatever we pay attention to grows!
#8. When your spouse brings an issue to your attention, defend yourself and find a way to blame him for the problem or deflect with excuses or justifications – whatever you do, do NOT take any responsibility.
This is known as a defensive response, and it’s one of the 4 harbingers of divorce. Heaven forbid you respond maturely, which is recognizing that you also contributed to the conflict and that your spouse has a viable point – heaven forbid you validate their experience as legit.
#7. When you and your spouse disagree, be sure to correct him or her – and do so in front of others.
Openly disagree to “educate” them, beginning with the word, “No,” or the phrase, “You are wrong,” especially if it is a small issue. Research shows sharing a contradictory opinion in an emotional environment shuts down the part of our brain that is open to influence. Sure, the less you argue the more influence you will have, but who needs influence when you can just make someone miserable in your presence? It’s called being contentious. Do so in front of your kids and you get extra credit.
#6. Point out your spouse’s flaws, mistakes, shortcomings, and weaknesses to him or her regularly – daily.
Treat them like they are so messed up or childish you just can’t even believe they can function without your help. Gottman labels criticism as one of the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” in predicting divorce. During conflict, marriage disasters have a .8 to 1 ratio of positive to negative… healthy marriage
s have a ratio of 5:1 – and that’s during a conflict! Extra credit if you lecture about problems that don’t even exist as if they do, or might possibly occur sometime in the future.What’s going on when there’s no conflict? Healthy relationships are at a 20:1 ratio of positives to negatives on a consistent basis. The disasters? STILL .8 to 1.
#5. Don’t be interested in your spouse’s world – whatever you do, don’t ask him or her questions.
Research shows that people love to talk about themselves and it raises affinity toward the person who is asking them questions. To avoid this, keep your ego fed and just talk about yourself. Oh, and if your spouse shares something about him or herself or something they’re involved in, be sure to not respond in anyway. Don’t ask a question, sure, but better yet, just change the subject, leaving them wondering if you even heard what they said. You’ll know you’re getting this right if you’re asked, “Did you hear me?” and, “Do you want to know about it?” frequently.
#4. Have lousy listening skills.
Remember to begin by interrupting and taking control of the conversation, then move to failing to make eye contact, not asking questions, and checking your watch so the person can “get the hint” and be done. Interrupt with a different subject. Whatever you do, especially if you are male, don’t nod your head, or make little “listening comments” like, “hmm,” “uh huh,” “no kidding,” and the like – it can make you more attractive… and who wants that? Be sure to turn the conversation into things about YOU – talking on and on about yourself again.
#3. Scowl.
Research shows that smiling increases feelings of altruism and affinity. Why on earth would you want to do that? Having your spouse actually like you
more is not going to speed up the divorce proceedings. Making them worry about why you are upset – now, that is helpful! And why would you want your kids to think you are approachable?
#2. Disengage and avoid your spouse.
This is called, “stonewalling,” by Gottman. It’s very effective at keeping conflicts unresolved and upsetting your spouse by your lack of engagement. Avoid discussing problems, especially hurt feelings. This will cause the part of your spouse’s brain that holds loss to fill with negativity and resentment until they rewrite your marital history as something negative, according to Gottman’s work. If you fail to point out positives and affirm him or her and then on top of that, with hold affection, you’ll actually help your spouse start stonewalling, also! You can even cause him or her to start to feel lonely, then eventually, especially if you throw in a bunch of hostility and anger, you can help create depressionin your spouse. You’ll be getting really much closer to divorce if you can nail this one!
and finally…
The #1 Way to Destroy Your Marriage…
Don’t pray for your spouse or your relationship.
Research shows that prayer can positively impact your relationships. So why ask God to get involved? Especially if it works??!
Bottom line:
If you avoid doing many of these things, you increase your odds of marriage success, and can create the intimate marriage you are looking for.
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17
What about you?
- Which ones on the list jumped out at you and why?
- What are you going to do differently as a result? How will you continue to grow in this area?
Have you found these ideas helpful? You might consider joining our dynamic community of wives changing their marriages through applied respect. You can find out more on our website at www.GreaterImpact.org/ecourse-sign-up/
Love to You,
Nina~
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Peek into the marriages of 6 women who struggled with 10 things that destroy marriages:
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