Contact The Editor
Articles By This Author
Unfortunately, while you're out and about with your friends you can't help but slip a few things into the conversation about your spouse. Whether it's in the name of fun or you're just trying to vent some frustrations, you talk about some things that your spouse doesn't know about. While some of these are harmless, there are some things that harmful to your marriage. Here are three things that you shouldn't be venting about to your friends.
1. Annoying habits
Everyone has annoying habits. And no matter how much you love your spouse, they have annoying habits, too. If they truly bother you, those issues should be brought up between the two of you. If they're not that bad, then let them go. Telling your friends annoyances about your spouse will be very hurtful if he or she learns you have been talking about them. It is similar to overhearing gossip about yourself from some coworkers -- do you both a favor and keep your spouse's habits to yourself.
2. Your in-laws
There's a reason there are so many jokes about in-laws: just about everyone has problems with them at some time or another. However, when you married your spouse, you married into his or her family. So when you talk about your in-laws behind your spouse's back, it hurts them. No one's family is perfect, but loving them in spite of imperfections will bring much more joy than constantly complaining.
3. Intimacy
Intimacy is the one thing you share with your spouse that you don't share with anyone else. Because you only share the bedroom with each other, you need to keep it that way. Discussing with friends and family what goes on in the bedroom is a surefire way to create embarrassment and resentment in your marriage. Keep intimacy issues between the two of you.
While it's true that everyone has secrets, that doesn't mean it's OK to share your spouse's with just anyone. Marriages are strengthened as you and your spouse open up to one another, and learn and grow together. Unfortunately, trust is much harder to rebuild once it has been broken; so stay loyal to your spouse by keeping each other's secrets appropriately.
Comment by clicking here.
Aaron Anderson is a therapist and owner of The Marriage and Family Clinic in Denver, CO. He is a writer, speaker and relationship expert.
