TIPS AND TRICKS

Two Bad Habits That Breed Resentment in Marriage

1. Holding Back Affection
It’s easy to let intimacy slide in a marriage. Both of you are often bogged down in the day-to-day responsibilities of work and family. But holding back physical contact, even small gestures like hand-holding or light touches can start to sow seeds of doubt. In the absence of physical connection, a spouse may question whether or not their partner is still attracted to them or interested in them at all. “Although a lack of sexual intimacy can be a red flag,” says ​Denna Babul​, a relationship expert and the author of ​Love Strong​, “intimacy can be felt in other ways like a goodnight kiss or a wink from across the room to let the other person know they are still seen and desired.” Paying attention to such small gestures is crucial.

2. Not Having Your Spouse’s Back
If you often take a family member’s or friend’s side in an argument over your partner’s, look out. Your spouse will eventually feel like you don’t value their opinions or that you don’t care enough about them to support them in public. This sends a clear message. It’s important to keep in mind that you’re a team and you need to present yourselves that way. “Take the differing opinions behind closed doors,” Babul says, “settle the score, and come back united as a team to ensure a wedge of resentment does not start to form.”

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