How the Jones Can Hurt Your Marriage

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

Sometimes outside influences can have a negative impact on your marriage. Just think of relationships with extended family, for example. Sometimes people who aren't even close to you can be harmful to your marriage. Neighbors and even friends of friends can put stress on your marriage.

You probably have heard the expression, "Keeping up with the Jones." This basically means trying to maintain the same lifestyle or level of possessions as those around you, whether you can afford it or not. It may also include social, political and spiritual choices as well.

There are several problems with trying to keep up with the Jones when it comes to marriage:

Unfavorably comparing your spouse

You may wonder why your husband can't be as attentive as Mr. Jones, as good looking as Mrs Jones, etc. The truth is that as wonderful as Mr. or Mrs Jones is, you only know part of the story. Stop comparing your spouse to someone else.

Not having time or energy for communication

If you are working two or three jobs just to be able to afford the luxuries in life that everyone else seems to have, then you may be coming home exhausted and with little time or energy to invest in your marriage. Without the time for communication, a marriage can go sour. Plus, the stress can really harm the relationship.

Taking the focus away from your marriage

No one else is going to care for your marriage but you. If most of your energy is going elsewhere, such is in an effort to keep up with the Jones, then who is focusing on your marriage? Who is nurturing it? After a while, does your marriage even feel important? Build a hedge around everything else.

Not enjoying each other and your life together

You got married for many reasons. Chances are that one of those reasons was to spend the rest of your life with a built-in companion who you love and who loves you as well. Instead of trying to fit in with everyone around you, why not try to fit together as a couple? Enjoy spending time together and revel in your married life.

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot.

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