15/07/2023
Recently my husband and I had to do a playback of our first two years in marriage by comparing the frequency of the conflicts we had and their causes to what we have today and the difference is huge! More like a 10:1 ratio…Growth right? Well you may be right!
Now singles and newly married, please understand that you may experience some of the following frequent conflicts in the early stages of marriage:
1. Adjusting to Change: Marriage brings significant changes to a couple's life. Living together, sharing responsibilities, and making joint decisions can be challenging as individuals adjust to their new roles and routines. Conflicts may arise from differences in expectations, lifestyle habits, or simply adjusting to the changes in the relationship dynamics.
2. Communication Challenges: Effective communication is crucial in any relationship, but it can take time for couples to develop strong communication skills. Newly married couples may still be learning how to express their thoughts, emotions, and needs openly and effectively. Misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and lack of clear communication can lead to conflicts.
3. Unresolved Issues: Couples often enter marriage with unresolved issues from their past, such as unresolved conflicts, unresolved emotions, or unresolved trauma. These unresolved issues can resurface in the context of marriage and contribute to conflicts between you and your spouse.
4. Expectations and Differences: Each partner brings their own set of expectations, values, and beliefs into the marriage. Conflicts can arise when there are differences in these areas, such as expectations around household chores, financial management, career aspirations, or even cultural or religious practices. These differences need to be navigated and negotiated to find common ground. Yes you can negotiate your differences.
5. Stress and External Factors: External stressors such as work pressures, financial strains, family dynamics, or health issues can impact the newly married couple's relationship. These stressors can contribute to conflicts as partners may react differently to the challenges they face or struggle to support each other effectively.
6. Intimacy and Boundaries: Newly married couples are also navigating their physical and emotional intimacy. Differences in desires, preferences, or expectations in this area can lead to conflicts. Setting and respecting boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced relationship.
Please, It's important to remember that conflicts are a normal part of any relationship and can even contribute to growth and understanding. What matters is how couples address and resolve these conflicts, with open communication, empathy, and a willingness to find common ground. Developing strong conflict resolution skills and seeking professional help when needed can support couples in navigating these challenges and building a strong foundation for their marriage.
It is my desire to see you getting it right in relationship and marriage.