by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: September 20, 2010

The current rates of divorce show that well over half of all marriages which begin today will end in divorce on some tomorrow. These statistics are both alarming and troubling, yet they are factual and still on the rise. When we see the number of families that are shattered by the break-up of marriages, it is obvious that there are many influences around us that are out to attack the marriage and family. People must become aware of the influences on their marriages and be prepared to stand against the bad ones in order to keep their relationship happy and healthy.

Often, the bad influences that prove to be the destruction of a marriage could have been avoided had the spouses been more alert to them and paid heed to the dangers that were being presented. There are both people and situations that should be recognized by the spouses well before they are confronting them head on, having to make choices that may have a negative impact on the relationship. When the couple is able to honestly communicate about the bad influences around them, they are going to be better able to avoid them and stand against them when they can’t be avoided. The following are three of the most common bad influences that can attack and destroy the marriage and family.

Bad Influence #1-Opposite Gender Friendships

One of the most commonly bad influences on marriages are friendships that men keep with women or that women keep with men. Often, these friendships were developed prior to the marriage, making it very difficult for some people to see why there is now a problem. A problem there can be, though, especially if the marriage begins to go through difficult times, as they all surely do. This is when the temptation comes to lean on the old friend for some support and understanding. There are many affairs that begin in this very way. One spouse with a friend of the opposite gender who is on their side, telling them how wonderful they still are and ready to comfort and console in any way necessary.

Bad Influence #2-Addictions

The world is filled with addictions and they can be devastating to a marriage. Anything from gambling to drugs, even to fitness, can become an addiction. The problem with any addiction is that it can begin to take over a person and take the place of importance that once belonged to the spouse. Balance in life is important and the term “all things in moderation” becomes extremely important when you are in a marriage, sharing a life with another person.

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