9781422270189

Overuse of social media can curtail communication and negatively affect a marriage.

If the couple cannot work out positive communication skills, the other issues in their marriage are magnified. The Gottman Institute explains that four types of communication problems contribute to divorce: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Criticism and contempt are the initiating tones in disagreements. These kinds of speech “attack a person’s core identity” and “make them feel worthless.” 12 When confronted with criticism or contempt, they are likely to react with defensiveness or stonewalling, by refusing to interact with their spouse. Divorce is common in America, with about 40% of marriages today ending in divorce. Typically, divorces result from a combination of factors ranging from marrying too young and being unprepared for marriage to problems with infidelity, abuse, or substance abuse.

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You Are Not Alone: Divorce