We all have habits; some are good and some not so much. Many of these habits are ones we’ve developed in our marriage, which means that some need to be broken and others need to be developed.
Let’s consider some bad habits that can creep up in a marriage. The first is criticizing. Isn’t it funny how the things you once found endearing have suddenly become an annoyance? Or ever notice how after being married for an extended length of time, you only notice the negative qualities in your spouse?
Both of these can cause a critical spirit to rise up. Suddenly we are putting down everything our spouse says and does. This is a bad habit that should be broken.
Another bad habit is talking negatively about your spouse in front of others, especially the children. The problem with sharing too much information (no matter who you do it with) is that they are forced to develop an opinion based on what you have said.
Suddenly your mother isn’t so fond of your spouse, or the children start treating their mom or dad with disrespect. Negative words are like poison…a bad habit that should be broken.
Nagging is yet another bad habit that we tend to develop in marriage. He nags you about all the clutter you have accumulated and you nag about the door that needs to be fixed.
Nothing is ever accomplished through nagging. In fact, it may cause the other person to rebel even more. All it does is stir up frustration. It is definitely a bad habit that should be broken.
Finally, the blame game is another bad habit. This one started back in the time of Adam and Eve. It’s become a detriment to many marriages ever since. Pointing fingers is the easy way out. But taking ownership is a sign of maturity.
Let’s make 2013 a year of breaking bad habits in our marriages!