by Scott Hayden

Created on: July 16, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2012

Marriage is hard because it's a union of two people who may not be able to handle each other's weaknesses. Thus, it takes a lot of time and patience to make the relationship work. Getting along with your spouse can test you in ways you can't even imagine. You might come within an inch of exploding with anger and frustration over petty disputes and habits that drive you crazy. You could be tempted to walk away forever and wonder how you got into this in the first place. The issues listed below are ones that married couples face regularly.

Arguments

In the beginning when everything is rosy and husbands and wives are so in love with each other and inseparable, it would seem like the road ahead is going to be eternally blissful. Then after a while cracks begin to appear in the bond that was thought to be unbreakable. There will be disagreements about household duties, how to handle the finances, the inevitable debts that go along with it and of course, physical intimacy. All these things and more put considerable strain on a marriage. If a husband and wife have nothing else to say to each other they might resort to bickering as a way to communicate. They could be bored with the marriage but are unable to let go and there are some underlying issues that are not being addressed. Either they can't express how they feel or one spouse won't listen, so arguing is all that's left.

Infidelity

This can turn a marriage upside down and hit either spouse like a ton of bricks. Infidelity has many patterns and is confusing, overwhelming and hurtful all at the same time. It's the catalyst that prompts a man or woman to find a more exciting, passionate relationship. When there is not a shred of doubt in your mind that your spouse has been cheating, the next emotional hurdle will be to confront the reality of this life-altering episode. Confronting the cheating spouse is never a simple matter and can easily get out of control. It's tempting to get into the blaming game and both spouses will end up resenting each other.

The In-Laws

For better or for worse you're going to be stuck with these people. You can't avoid them forever and it might be twice as difficult dealing with them as it is with your own family. Rude and abusive in-laws do not respect boundaries and will use any excuse they can to drive a wedge between you and your spouse. To avoid alienating the parents your hubby may not support you when his or her mom and dad are being disrespectful.

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