Silent Treatment in Marriage: Why It’s Toxic and How to Stop It
Whether you’re on the receiving end or giving it to your partner, the silent treatment can create a toxic dynamic in marriage. Most of us know what it feels like to shut down during conflict—walking around in cold silence, refusing to respond, or withdrawing behind walls. In the moment, silence may feel like safety or […]
10 Signs of Emotional Abuse in Marriage (and How to Heal)
Is Emotional Abuse Quietly Hurting Your Marriage? Here’s How to Recognize It—and Heal Together When couples come to us feeling disconnected, they often say,“We love each other… but something just feels off.”Maybe the spark is gone. Maybe communication feels tense. Maybe you’re walking on eggshells. What many don’t realize is that emotional abuse—often unintentional and […]
What Are the “Four Horsemen” of Relationships? Here’s What the Research Says
If you’ve ever wondered why your marriage feels harder than it used to—or why communication turns into conflict so easily—you’re not alone. Psychologist Dr. John Gottman, one of the world’s leading relationship researchers, has studied couples for over 40 years. His work is so accurate he can predict with over 90% accuracy whether a couple […]
What should I do when my husband ignores me?
If your husband ignores you, you’re probably feeling lonely, rejected, or even angry. You might be wondering, “Why doesn’t he want to talk to me anymore?” or “Is he pulling away for good?” Before you assume the worst, it’s important to slow down, get curious, and figure out what’s really happening underneath the silence. Why […]
Marriage Mistakes Couples Make (not just communication problems) & How to Fix Them
We often get asked: “What are the marriage mistakes that couples make most often in their relationships?” While communication problems in marriage are the obvious culprit, there are a few deeper mistakes that can quietly damage trust and connection. The good news? They’re fixable once you become conscious of them. Here are two common marriage […]
Is Name Calling Verbal Abuse? What is considered verbal abuse?
It’s a question many spouses ask when conflict in marriage escalates: “Is name-calling abuse, or just fighting?” The truth is, name-calling is a form of verbal abuse—and over time, it can erode trust, safety, and self-worth in a marriage. Verbal abuse often starts small: a sarcastic comment, a put-down, or an insult “said in anger.” […]
Angry Spouse? What to do if you’re living with an angry wife or an angry husband.
By Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, LCPC — Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Founder of The Marriage Restoration Project When You’re Living With Anger Every Day If you’ve been thinking “My wife is always mad at me” or “Why is my husband so angry lately?” — you’re not alone.Chronic anger is one of the most common yet destructive […]
Marriage Issues: Stopping Emotional Abuse in Marriage
What is emotional abuse in marriage? It can be hard to quantify since it differs greatly from physical abuse but can be the slippery slope that leads to it. Emotional Abuse: What You Should Know Emotional abuse is a topic we get questions about often. So many relationships are suffering from emotional abuse. Stopping emotional […]
5 Marriage Communication Problems & How to Fix Them
Key Takeaways Most communication problems in marriage boil down to threat/defense cycles; lowering threat (tone, timing, clarity) unlocks progress. Use a soft start-up (I-statement + one fact + one feeling + one specific request) to reduce defensiveness and increase repair attempts. Replace mind reading and unsolicited advice with active listening and validation phrases so your […]