5 Signs You're Neglecting Your Spouse

The most important person in your life may be the one you’re ignoring the most. Here’s how to fix this and improve your marriage.

- Stephanie Yap

Warning Sign #1

YOU FOCUS MORE ON YOUR KIDS.

How often have you heard your husband complain that he has lost you to the kids? And how often have you defended yourself, saying he shouldn’t be jealous of his own children and that you’re just doing what you have to?

When you’re preoccupied with your family as a whole, it’s easy to overlook what each of you really needs, which is emotional support. Make time for each other, even if it’s just 15 minutes to talk about your day-to-day life.

Communication is the key to a fulfilling relationship, and when you’re in sync, you’ll be able to work out something that benefits the both of you.

Warning Sign #2

YOU GET BORED OR ANNOYED WHENEVER HE TALKS ABOUT DAY-TO-DAY THINGS.

Try to listen past the facts and pay attention to the emotions your husband is trying to share. Being emotionally responsive calms him down, and builds mutual security and trust.

Emotional love ebbs and flows. Happy, stable couples do quarrel, but they also know how to tune into each other and restore emotional connections after a clash.

When we feel our relationship is threatened or we’re unable to voice our needs, we tend to push our partner to respond, or shut down and move away to protect ourselves.