12 early warning signs your marriage could be headed for the rocks

By Liz Paul, Psychotherapist & Counsellor

We all know the tell-tale signs of a marriage in deep trouble.  Big arguments, infidelity, separate sleeping arrangements and so on.

But long before those things happen, there are usually little behaviours and feelings which can signal problems in the relationship.  Importantly, these problems can usually be rectified if addressed early.

These behaviours include one or both of you:

  1. Spending most of your spare time with your friends rather than your partner
  2. Turning to people other than your partner when you need emotional support… or when you have news to share
  3. Being jealous of other people’s marriages
  4. Not fighting fair… or not fighting at all
  5. Rarely agreeing on anything
  6. Avoiding sex and physical intimacy
  7. Keeping secrets
  8. Constantly feeling disappointed by your partner
  9. Staying in touch with an ex
  10. Changing how money is managed in the relationship
  11. Feeling lonely
  12. Putting other people’s needs or expectations above your partner’s

What are the issues for which most people seek assistance?

  • Relationship break-ups
  • Constantly fighting with your partner
  • Loss of intimacy with your partner
  • Communication problems with your partner or child
  • Difficulty parenting toddlers or teens
  • Pre-marriage counselling
  • A child misbehaving
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Family counselling
  • Wanting to separate from their partner amicably
  • Helping the children cope after a relationship break-up
  • Trouble staying in relationships
  • HSC stress for students and their families
  • Relationship commitment issues
  • Problems at work
  • Couple counselling
  • Difficulties with step-children
  • Sexual difficulties
  • Problems with in-laws
  • Substance addiction
  • Facing major life changes
  • Making new life choices
  • Relationship counselling

liz@sydneyindividualsandcouplescounselling.com