Not all marital problems are obvious. There are some issues that appear minor at first glance but if left alone, they can build up and blow up into a major problem. Knowing what these issues are can help you nip them in the bud before they ruin your marriage.

Poor Communication

Communication problems are not always easy to detect. They can begin with little miscommunications here and there and eventually build up to the point where the husband or wife has no idea what the other is trying to say half the time.

When two people have been married for a long time, they no longer feel the need to be as clear in their communication as they would be if they were communicating with strangers. They assume that because they know each other so well, they will automatically know what the other person means even when they are vague.

The way to nip this in the bud is to make active listening or mirroring a part of your communication in marriage. When your spouse makes a point repeat it to him or her in your own words and then give him or her a chance to correct or confirm what you’ve said. You don’t have to start your sentences with the cliché, “What I hear is . . .” There are other less awkward ways to say that like, “Do you mean” or “Sounds like”

Lack of Physical Intimacy

Physical intimacy in marriage is usually the first to go when stressful and tumultuous times hit. And if you’re not conscious of this, you will not make an effort to get back to where you were intimacy-wise before the stress hit.

As unromantic as it sounds, the best way to get things back on track after a long period without physical intimacy is to schedule time for it. Within no time, you’ll find yourselves being spontaneous and forget about the schedule altogether.

Child-Centered Marriage

Children can bring a couple together but they can also tear them apart. There is nothing wrong with giving kids the attention they need but often couples lose sight of their romantic relationship with their partner.

It is important to keep working on your relationship with your spouse no matter how preoccupied you are with your kids. Yet again, the easiest way to stay on track with this is to schedule time for each other. Your spouse, just like your kids, deserves a spot on your schedule. Remember that having a happy marriage without any major marital problems is beneficial to your children’s health and well being.