Marriage Help
Warning Sign 3: Verbal Abuse

Disagreements are a natural part of married life. A sexless marriage can breed this kind of animosity. The trick to life's little spats is never forgetting to respect boundaries. When your spouse is yelling at you and taunting you with insults they are crossing that boundary.

How do these arguments make you feel? Are these disagreements turning into all-out attacks? Do you feel safe while they are happening? Have they ever escalated into something more?

This issue needs to be addressed immediately. Pick a neutral time and place to broach the subject. Setting ground rules can help each person feel protected and appreciated. Seeking professional help may be needed.

There's no shame in calling in the help of someone qualified in these matters. Make sure that this is a mutual decision, or the person who is 'just going along' will feel slighted and may even take it as a personal attack.

Verbal abuse can be a very serious marital problem but it can be overcome, if you both give it an honest effort.