What does a struggling marriage look like? I recently received a comment about how my marriage is struggling. I was a little taken aback because I would not have classified my marriage as struggling because I talk about the day to day situations that are hard but worth fighting for. I think too often when an individual bemoans the hardship of marriage some people assume they must be struggling. But the question is, what does it mean to have a struggling marriage?
Not sure about you but I have seen many marriages end, some made sense because all you saw were the struggles, bickering, and constant abuse. Others baffle you because they seemed perfect, their life was going according to plan, but because they lived in a toxic positivity bubble that eventually bursts and the results are terrible when it does. Neither of those marriages are good.
Opposition in all things. We need to accept the bad to know the good. Being able to acknowledge that marriage has its challenges will allow us to also know that we can reach exceptional heights in marriage. Talking about the “struggles” does not determine if you are struggling, it may just mean that your eyes are open and you are seeking answers or solutions. One of my favorite marriage quotes talks about how relationships are about balancing through the constant changes that come with being with one person throughout life. Normal changes, like starting or finishing school, getting a new job, getting fired, welcoming a new child, or your child turns a new age, the list is endless. The point is to accept the change, acknowledge the struggles, and seek for a new way to get back to your dream marriage.
I believe you can have an amazing marriage with struggles. When a spouse struggles with addictions and mental illness doesn’t mean your marriage lacks the possibility of greatness. Because lets be honest here, every marriage has addictions. It can for food, sex, gaming, etc. Every marriage struggles with mental illness, depression, ADHD, bipolar, PTSD, etc. It’s gonna be in the marriage and if you live in denial to that fact, then you won’t be able to turn your weaknesses into strengths.
What does a struggling marriage look like? for me, a struggling marriage is not one that openly admits that they are having a hard time. Struggling marriages are the ones that are either trying to live their marriage with rose colored glasses or those that refuse to see any good. When we accept our faults and openly admit that we are having a hard time with our spouse, we are able to find the strength and support needed to build marriages to their highest potential.