How to Save Your Marriage: 7 Steps When It’s Impossible
Quick answer
Is your marriage on the rocks? Figuring out how to save your marriage when it seems impossible might feel like an insurmountable challenge, but don’t lose heart! Even in the most desperate situations, positive change is attainable. This involves understanding the crisis, improving communication, and rebuilding intimacy. This requires commitment and a willingness to seek professional help if needed.
Remember, you are not alone, and positive change is possible. There is help for marriage available.
What you will discover
Is your marriage on the brink, feeling more like a battlefield than a sanctuary? Are you desperately searching for how to save your marriage when it seems impossible?
You’re not alone. According to a recent study, 42% of marriages end in divorce, highlighting the immense challenges couples face.
Perhaps you feel lost, overwhelmed by constant conflict, or simply disconnected from the person you once loved. It might seem impossible to bridge the gap, but there’s hope.
This article provides actionable steps and strategies focused on how to save your marriage when it seems impossible. We’ll explore understanding the depth of the crisis, acknowledging individual contributions, improving communication, rebuilding intimacy, addressing specific challenges, and knowing when to seek professional help, offering a roadmap towards positive change and renewed connection. This article provides relationship advice that can make a difference.
Understanding the Depth of the Crisis
Before you can even think about mending what’s broken, you need to truly understand the extent of the damage. So, let’s start by diving deep into understanding the factors that have brought you to this point.
Recognizing the Signs of a Marriage in Severe Distress
Is your marriage in critical condition? Is your marriage showing signs of severe distress, making you wonder how to save your marriage when it seems impossible?
It’s essential to recognize the signs that indicate severe distress.
- Constant conflict: Are arguments a daily occurrence, with no resolution in sight?
- Emotional detachment: Do you feel like you’re living with a stranger, lacking emotional connection?
- Lack of intimacy: Has physical and emotional intimacy disappeared, leaving you feeling isolated?
- Disrespect and contempt: Are you constantly criticizing or belittling each other?
- Avoidance: Do you find yourselves avoiding each other, preferring separate activities and spaces?
Identifying the Root Causes and Core Issues
What are the underlying problems eroding your marriage?
Identifying the root causes is essential for effective healing.
- Unresolved conflicts: Are there recurring arguments that never get resolved, creating resentment and bitterness?
- Communication breakdowns: Are you unable to communicate your needs and feelings effectively, leading to misunderstandings and frustration?
- Unmet expectations: Are there significant differences in expectations regarding roles, responsibilities, or life goals?
- External stressors: Are external factors like financial stress, job loss, or family issues putting immense pressure on the marriage?
- Loss of shared values or goals: Have you grown apart, with diverging interests, values, or life paths?
Assessing Individual and Shared Responsibility
It’s easy to point fingers, but a failing marriage is rarely the fault of just one person.
Acknowledging individual and shared responsibility is crucial for progress.
- Examine your own contributions: What behaviors, attitudes, or communication styles have contributed to the problems?
- Avoid the blame game: Focus on understanding your own role rather than solely blaming your partner.
- Acknowledge shared responsibility: Recognize that both partners have contributed to the deterioration of the marriage.
- Take ownership of mistakes: Be willing to admit your faults and apologize for hurtful actions or words.
Understanding Different Attachment Styles and Their Impact
Did you know that your attachment style can significantly influence your marital dynamics?
Understanding these styles can offer valuable insights.
- Secure attachment: Characterized by trust, emotional availability, and healthy interdependence.
- Anxious attachment: Marked by a fear of abandonment, neediness, and a desire for constant reassurance.
- Avoidant attachment: Defined by emotional distance, a fear of intimacy, and a tendency to suppress feelings.
- Disorganized attachment: A combination of anxious and avoidant traits, often stemming from past trauma.
Quote: “According to Dr. Amir Levine, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, understanding your attachment style can unlock a deeper understanding of your relationship patterns and needs.”
Quick Summary: Understanding the depth of the crisis involves recognizing the signs of distress, identifying root causes, assessing responsibility, and understanding attachment styles. This groundwork is crucial for developing effective strategies for change.
Action Plan:
- Individually, list three signs of distress you’ve observed in your marriage.
- Together, identify one root cause contributing to your marital problems.
- Reflect on your attachment styles and discuss how they might be influencing your relationship.
Acknowledging Individual Contributions
Now that you’ve assessed the overall state of your marriage, it’s time to turn inward. Let’s explore the importance of self-reflection and personal accountability.
Self-Reflection: Identifying Personal Patterns and Triggers
Do you know what your triggers are in your marriage?
Self-reflection is key to understanding your personal patterns.
- Identify your emotional triggers: What situations, words, or behaviors tend to provoke strong emotional reactions in you?
- Examine your communication style: Are you assertive, passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive in your communication?
- Recognize your defense mechanisms: Do you tend to withdraw, become defensive, or attack when faced with conflict?
- Understand your unmet needs: What emotional or practical needs are not being met in your relationship?
Taking Ownership of Mistakes and Apologizing Sincerely
Apologies can be powerful tools for healing, but they must be genuine.
Let’s discuss the importance of taking ownership and apologizing sincerely.
- Acknowledge your specific actions: Don’t just say “I’m sorry,” but specify what you’re apologizing for.
- Express remorse and empathy: Show that you understand the impact of your actions on your partner.
- Offer to make amends: Take concrete steps to repair the damage you’ve caused.
- Avoid making excuses or justifications: A sincere apology takes full responsibility without minimizing the impact.
Practicing Self-Forgiveness and Letting Go of Guilt
Holding onto guilt can be toxic to both you and your marriage.
Let’s explore the importance of self-forgiveness.
- Acknowledge your mistakes without dwelling on them: Recognize that everyone makes mistakes, and you’re not defined by your past actions.
- Learn from your experiences: Use your mistakes as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
- Treat yourself with compassion: Extend the same understanding and forgiveness to yourself that you would offer a friend.
- Focus on the present and future: Release the burden of guilt by focusing on making positive changes in the present.
Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Well-being
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Making self-care a priority is essential for contributing positively to your marriage.
- Physical health: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutritious food.
- Emotional health: Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
- Mental health: Engage in activities that stimulate your mind, such as reading, learning new skills, or pursuing hobbies.
- Social connections: Maintain healthy relationships with friends and family for support and connection.
Expert Tip: “Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining your well-being and contributing positively to your marriage.”
Quick Summary: Acknowledging individual contributions involves self-reflection, ownership of mistakes, self-forgiveness, and prioritizing self-care. When each partner takes responsibility for their actions and well-being, the marriage has a stronger foundation for healing.
Action Plan:
- Identify one personal trigger and develop a strategy to manage it.
- Write a sincere apology to your partner for a specific action.
- Commit to one self-care activity each day for the next week.
Practical Communication Techniques
Communication is the lifeline of any relationship. So, now, let’s explore actionable communication techniques to improve how you and your spouse interact.
Active Listening and Empathetic Responses
Are you truly hearing your partner?
Active listening is a skill that can transform your conversations.
- Give your partner your undivided attention: Put away distractions, make eye contact, and focus on what they’re saying.
- Reflect back what you hear: Summarize your partner’s words to ensure you understand their message accurately.
- Validate their feelings: Acknowledge and accept your partner’s emotions, even if you don’t agree with their perspective.
- Ask clarifying questions: Seek more information to fully understand their point of view.
Expressing Needs and Concerns Constructively
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it.
Let’s explore how to express your needs in a way that fosters understanding.
- Choose the right time and place: Find a calm and private setting for important conversations.
- Start with a positive statement: Begin by acknowledging something you appreciate about your partner or the relationship.
- Focus on specific behaviors: Instead of generalizing, address specific actions that are causing concern.
- Avoid blaming or criticizing: Frame your concerns in a way that promotes understanding and collaboration.
Using “I” Statements to Convey Feelings
“You” statements can trigger defensiveness.
Let’s explore the power of “I” statements to communicate your emotions.
- “I feel…”: Express your emotions directly, such as “I feel hurt” or “I feel frustrated.”
- “When you…”: Describe the specific behavior that’s affecting you, such as “When you come home late without calling…”
- “Because…”: Explain the impact of the behavior on you, such as “…because I worry about your safety and feel like my time isn’t valued.”
- “I would like…”: State your desired outcome or change in behavior, such as “I would like you to call me if you’re going to be late.”
Establishing Healthy Boundaries and Expectations
What are your limits in the relationship?
Setting boundaries can help protect your individual needs and prevent resentment.
- Identify your limits: What behaviors or situations are unacceptable to you?
- Communicate your boundaries clearly and assertively: Express your limits without guilt or apology.
- Respect your partner’s boundaries: Acknowledge and honor their limits, even if you don’t fully understand them.
- Enforce your boundaries consistently: Follow through with consequences if your boundaries are violated.
Managing Conflict Respectfully and Productively
Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive.
Let’s explore strategies for navigating disagreements in a healthy way.
- Take a break if emotions escalate: Agree to pause the conversation and return to it when you’re both calmer.
- Focus on the issue at hand: Avoid bringing up past grievances or unrelated issues.
- Seek common ground: Look for areas of agreement and build from there.
- Be willing to compromise: Find solutions that meet both of your needs, even if it requires some sacrifice.
Practical Exercise: Try role-playing a difficult conversation using “I” statements and active listening techniques. This can help you practice effective communication skills in a safe environment.
Quick Summary: Practical communication techniques include active listening, constructive expression of needs, “I” statements, healthy boundaries, and respectful conflict management. These skills can create a more understanding and supportive environment.
Action Plan:
- Practice active listening during your next conversation.
- Identify one boundary you need to establish or reinforce.
- Role-play a difficult conversation using “I” statements.
Rebuilding Intimacy and Connection
With improved communication as a foundation, now it’s time to focus on rekindling the spark. Let’s dive into strategies for rebuilding trust and emotional intimacy in your marriage.
Re-establishing Emotional Intimacy Through Vulnerability
Are you willing to open your heart?
Vulnerability is the key to deeper emotional connection.
- Share your feelings, fears, and dreams: Be honest and open about your inner world.
- Practice empathy and compassion: Understand and validate your partner’s emotions.
- Create a safe space for sharing: Foster an environment of trust and acceptance.
- Engage in meaningful conversations: Talk about topics beyond the surface level, exploring your values, beliefs, and experiences.
Rekindling Physical Intimacy Through Affection and Sensuality
Has the physical spark faded? Let’s explore ways of rekindling romance and desire in your marriage.
- Schedule date nights: Make time for intimate moments away from the distractions of daily life.
- Engage in sensual activities: Explore activities that awaken your senses, such as massage, dancing, or sharing a bath.
- Communicate your desires and boundaries: Be open and honest about your sexual needs and limits.
- Experiment with new experiences: Try new positions, locations, or activities to add excitement to your sex life.
Cultivating Intellectual Intimacy Through Shared Interests and Activities
Do you stimulate each other’s minds?
Intellectual intimacy can add depth and excitement to your connection.
- Explore new hobbies and interests together: Learn something new and challenge yourselves as a couple.
- Engage in stimulating conversations: Discuss books, movies, current events, or philosophical ideas.
- Learn from each other: Share your knowledge and expertise, and be open to learning from your partner.
- Visit museums, attend lectures, or take classes: Expand your horizons and create shared intellectual experiences.
Practicing Acts of Service and Expressing Appreciation
Showing love through actions can be incredibly powerful.
Let’s explore the importance of acts of service and appreciation.
- Do chores or errands for your partner: Take on tasks that relieve their burden and show you care.
- Offer help with projects or responsibilities: Support your partner in achieving their goals.
- Express gratitude for their efforts: Acknowledge and appreciate their contributions to the relationship.
- Leave thoughtful notes or small gifts: Surprise your partner with gestures of appreciation.
Prioritizing Quality Time and Creating Shared Experiences
Are you truly present when you’re together?
Quality time is essential for nurturing your connection.
- Schedule regular date nights or outings: Make time for focused attention and shared activities.
- Plan vacations or weekend getaways: Escape the routine and create lasting memories together.
- Engage in activities you both enjoy: Find common interests and make time for them.
- Put away distractions: Turn off phones, computers, and other devices to be fully present with your partner.
Implementation Steps:
- Schedule a weekly date night: Put it on the calendar and treat it like an important appointment.
- Identify one act of service: Do something thoughtful for your partner each day.
- Express appreciation daily: Tell your partner what you appreciate about them.
Quick Summary: Rebuilding intimacy involves re-establishing emotional, physical, and intellectual connections through vulnerability, affection, shared interests, acts of service, and quality time. These actions can reignite the spark and create a deeper bond.
Action Plan:
- Schedule a weekly date night for the next month.
- Identify one act of service you can do for your partner each day this week.
- Express one thing you appreciate about your partner each day.
Addressing Specific Challenges
Every marriage faces unique hurdles. Now, let’s explore strategies for navigating some common and complex challenges, including saving marriage after infidelity and dealing with financial stress in marriage.
Overcoming Infidelity and Rebuilding Trust
Can trust be rebuilt after infidelity? It’s a long and difficult road, but healing is possible.
- Seek professional therapy: A therapist can guide you through the process of healing and rebuilding trust.
- Take responsibility for your actions: The unfaithful partner must acknowledge their actions and express genuine remorse.
- Be transparent and honest: Openly communicate about your whereabouts, activities, and feelings.
- Allow time for healing: Rebuilding trust takes time, patience, and consistent effort.
Dealing with Financial Stress and Disagreements
Money can be a major source of conflict in marriage. Let’s explore ways to manage dealing with financial stress in marriage and disagreements.
- Communicate openly about finances: Discuss your income, expenses, debts, and financial goals.
- Create a budget together: Develop a plan for managing your money that aligns with your values and priorities.
- Make collaborative decisions about spending and saving: Avoid unilateral decisions that can create resentment.
- Seek financial counseling: A financial advisor can help you create a plan for managing your money effectively.
Navigating Differing Parenting Styles and Child-Rearing Philosophies
How do you raise children when you disagree on parenting? Finding common ground is essential for a united front amidst these parenting challenges.
- Discuss your parenting philosophies: Share your beliefs about discipline, education, and values.
- Identify areas of agreement and disagreement: Find common ground and focus on those areas.
- Be willing to compromise: Find solutions that meet the needs of both parents and the children.
- Present a united front to the children: Avoid undermining each other’s authority or creating confusion.
Managing the Impact of Long-Term Illness or Caregiving Responsibilities
Illness can put immense strain on a marriage.
Let’s explore ways to support each other during challenging times.
- Communicate openly about your needs and feelings: Share your struggles and seek support from each other.
- Share caregiving tasks: Divide responsibilities fairly and equitably.
- Maintain intimacy and connection: Make time for physical and emotional closeness.
- Seek support from outside sources: Join support groups, hire respite care, or seek therapy.
Handling External Interference from Family Members or Friends
Outside influences can damage a marriage.
Let’s explore how to protect your relationship from interference.
- Set boundaries with family and friends: Communicate your limits clearly and assertively.
- Communicate as a united couple: Present a united front when dealing with external influences.
- Protect your privacy: Avoid sharing intimate details of your marriage with others.
- Prioritize your relationship: Make your marriage the primary focus of your loyalty and attention.
Addressing the Impact of Social Media and Technology on the Relationship
Is technology harming your connection?
Let’s explore ways to manage its impact on your marriage.
- Set limits on social media use: Establish rules for when and how you use social media.
- Prevent cyber-infidelity: Avoid engaging in online relationships that could threaten your marriage.
- Prioritize real-life interactions: Make time for face-to-face conversations and activities.
- Be mindful of your online behavior: Avoid posting anything that could embarrass or hurt your partner.
Resource Recommendations:
- “Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love” by Dr. Sue Johnson: A guide to Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.
- “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman: Understanding and applying the five love languages.
Quick Summary: Addressing specific challenges involves developing strategies for overcoming infidelity, managing financial stress, navigating parenting differences, handling illness, protecting against external interference, and managing the impact of technology.
Action Plan:
- If applicable, begin seeking therapy to address infidelity.
- Schedule a financial planning session to discuss and align on financial goals.
- Establish clear boundaries with family members who may be interfering in your marriage.
Seeking Professional Help
Sometimes, you can’t do it alone. Now, let’s explore the benefits of seeking professional help for your marriage. Even when you feel you’ve tried everything to save a troubled marriage, professional couples counseling can provide invaluable support.
Recognizing the Indicators That Professional Intervention Is Necessary
When is it time to call in the experts?
Recognizing the signs is crucial for getting timely help.
- Persistent conflict: Do you find yourselves in constant arguments with no resolution?
- Emotional detachment: Do you feel disconnected from your partner, lacking emotional intimacy?
- Inability to communicate effectively: Are you unable to express your needs and feelings in a way that your partner understands?
- Recurring patterns of destructive behavior: Are there patterns of infidelity, abuse, or addiction that are damaging the marriage?
- Loss of hope: Do you feel like you’ve tried everything and there’s no hope for improvement?
Exploring Different Types of Therapy (Couples, Individual, Family)
What kind of therapy is right for you?
Let’s explore different options and their benefits.
- Couples therapy: Focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict, and strengthening the relationship.
- Individual therapy: Addresses personal issues that may be impacting the marriage, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Family therapy: Involves the entire family system to address issues that affect the marriage, such as parenting differences or blended family dynamics.
Finding a Qualified and Compatible Therapist
How do you find the right therapist for your needs?
Let’s explore the steps involved in finding a good fit.
- Research therapists online: Look for therapists with experience in couples therapy and your specific issues.
- Check their credentials and qualifications: Ensure they are licensed and have the necessary training.
- Read reviews and testimonials: See what other clients have to say about their experiences.
- Schedule a consultation: Meet with the therapist to discuss your needs and goals.
- Trust your gut: Choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and safe.
Preparing for and Participating Actively in Therapy Sessions
How can you get the most out of therapy?
Let’s explore the steps involved in preparing for and participating actively.
- Set realistic goals: Define what you hope to achieve through therapy.
- Be open and honest: Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your therapist.
- Actively engage in the therapeutic process: Participate in exercises, complete homework assignments, and be willing to try new things.
- Be patient and persistent: Therapy takes time and effort, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
Considering Alternatives to Traditional Therapy
Are there other options beyond in-person therapy?
Let’s explore alternatives for those who may be unable or unwilling to attend traditional therapy.
- Online counseling: Provides therapy through video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging.
- Marriage retreats: Offers intensive therapy in a retreat setting.
- Self-help resources: Books, workbooks, and online programs can provide guidance and support.
Warning: Be cautious of self-proclaimed “experts” who promise quick fixes or miracle cures. Look for evidence-based approaches and qualified professionals.
Quick Summary: Seeking professional help involves recognizing the need for intervention, exploring different types of therapy, finding a qualified therapist, actively participating in sessions, and considering alternatives to traditional therapy.
Action Plan:
- Identify three signs that indicate you may need professional help.
- Research different types of therapy and determine which approach is best for you.
- Schedule a consultation with a qualified therapist.
Navigating the Future: Acceptance and Growth
Whether your marriage is saved or not, the journey can lead to personal growth. Let’s explore how to navigate the future with acceptance and resilience.
Setting Realistic Expectations for Reconciliation and Healing
It’s important to be patient and have reasonable expectations. So, let’s start by setting realistic expectations for reconciliation and healing.
- Understand that healing takes time and effort: Don’t expect overnight miracles.
- Accept that setbacks are normal: There will be good days and bad days.
- Focus on progress, not perfection: Celebrate small victories and learn from mistakes.
- Be patient with yourself and your partner: Allow each other the space and time needed to heal.
Developing Strategies for Long-Term Relationship Maintenance
How do you keep the spark alive long term? Let’s explore strategies for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling marriage. It’s important to have relationship goals to help keep you on track.
- Continue practicing effective communication: Make it a habit to listen, express your needs, and resolve conflicts constructively.
- Prioritize intimacy and connection: Make time for physical and emotional closeness.
- Nurture your individual growth: Support each other’s personal goals and interests.
- Seek ongoing support as needed: Don’t hesitate to seek therapy or counseling to address new challenges.
Recognizing When the Marriage Cannot Be Saved and Moving Forward
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the marriage may not be salvageable. Let’s explore how to recognize when it’s time to move on.
- Abuse: If there is physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, it may be best to end the marriage.
- Unwillingness to change: If one partner is unwilling to acknowledge their role in the problems or make changes, reconciliation may be impossible.
- Irreconcilable differences: If there are fundamental differences in values, goals, or beliefs that cannot be bridged, separation may be the best option.
- Persistent unhappiness: If both partners are consistently unhappy and unable to find joy in the relationship, it may be time to move on.
Establishing Healthy Co-Parenting Relationships (If Applicable)
If you have children, maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship is essential. Let’s explore strategies for effective co-parenting after separation.
- Communicate respectfully: Avoid using the children as messengers or pawns.
- Focus on the children’s needs: Prioritize their well-being and emotional health.
- Establish clear boundaries and expectations: Create a consistent routine and set of rules for both households.
- Avoid conflict in front of the children: Protect them from witnessing arguments or negativity.
Focusing on Personal Growth and Emotional Well-being After the Marriage
Whether you stay or leave, your personal well-being matters. So, let’s explore how to prioritize self-care and growth after the marriage.
- Seek support from friends and family: Lean on your loved ones for emotional support and encouragement.
- Pursue new interests and goals: Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
- Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding.
- Seek therapy or counseling: Address any unresolved issues or emotional pain.
Fun Fact: “Did you know that studies show individuals who prioritize self-care after a divorce or separation tend to experience greater emotional well-being and faster healing?”
Quick Summary: Navigating the future involves setting realistic expectations, developing long-term maintenance strategies, recognizing when the marriage cannot be saved, establishing healthy co-parenting relationships, and focusing on personal growth.
Action Plan:
- Identify three realistic expectations for your reconciliation journey.
- Develop a long-term maintenance strategy for your relationship, including ongoing communication and intimacy.
- If co-parenting, establish clear boundaries and expectations with your former partner.
Conclusion
So, remember, how to save your marriage when it seems impossible is a journey, not a destination.
By understanding the depth of the crisis, acknowledging individual contributions, improving communication, rebuilding intimacy, addressing specific challenges, and seeking professional help when needed, you can create positive change.
Even in seemingly impossible situations, there is always hope for growth, healing, and renewed connection. Take action, seek help if needed, and remember that you are not alone.
FAQ
What if my partner is unwilling to participate in saving the marriage?
Focus on your own actions and behaviors. Individual therapy can help you navigate the situation and make healthy choices for yourself.
How long does it typically take to rebuild trust after infidelity?
There’s no set timeline. It depends on the couple’s willingness to be open, honest, and committed to the healing process.
What are some effective ways to manage anger and resentment in marriage?
Practice anger management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise. Seek therapy to address underlying issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
How can we improve communication when we have different communication styles?
Learn about each other’s communication styles and find a middle ground. Practice active listening, “I” statements, and respectful dialogue.
What are the financial implications of separation or divorce?
Consult with a financial advisor or attorney to understand the potential financial consequences, including asset division, spousal support, and child support.
How can we support our children during a marital crisis?
Be honest and age-appropriate with your children. Reassure them that they are loved and that the situation is not their fault. Maintain a consistent routine and avoid involving them in adult conflicts.
When is it time to accept that the marriage cannot be saved?
If there is ongoing abuse, unwillingness to change, or irreconcilable differences, it may be time to consider separation or divorce.
Where can we find resources for co-parenting after separation?
Online resources, parenting classes, and support groups can provide guidance and support for effective co-parenting.
What are the legal aspects of marriage and divorce?
Consult with an attorney to understand your legal rights and responsibilities regarding marriage, separation, and divorce.
What are some marriage counseling alternatives if we can’t afford traditional therapy?
Consider online counseling or relationship workshops.
How can we deal with interference from family or friends?
Set clear boundaries with family and friends. Communicate as a united couple and protect your privacy.
References
- Psychology and the study of marital processes
- Marital relationship and psychological distress: Its correlates and treatments
- Marital functioning and physical health: Implications for social and personality psychology
- Psychology as public philosophy: An illustration of the moral dimension of psychology with marital research.
- Mars and Venus collide: A discursive analysis of marital self-help psychology