25 Secrets, Signs & Steps to Repair and Fix a Marriage that’s Falling Apart ASAP

Learning how to repair a marriage isn’t easy, but with commitment and the right strategies, it’s possible to repair and strengthen your bond.

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Let’s face it, no one gets married thinking they’ll need to Google ‘how to fix a marriage’ someday. But life is full of surprises, and not all of them are the kind you celebrate with champagne.

If your marriage feels a bit wobbly lately, you’re not alone. Many couples go through rough patches. It’s part of sharing your life with someone else.

But here’s the good news: rough patches don’t have to mean the end. With some effort, understanding, and maybe a bit of guidance, it’s possible to get things back on track.

So, let’s talk about how to breathe new life into your marriage, with some real talk and practical steps.

Ready? Let’s get started!

The End of a Fairy Tale

Fairy tales usually end with ‘And they lived happily ever after’, but they never really show us what ‘happily ever after’ looks like. [Read: 22 Marriage myths people blindly believe that ruin love forever]

In the real world, the story continues, and it’s not always a smooth ride. When it comes to fixing or repairing a marriage, understanding why discord starts is crucial.

Let’s bust a myth right off the bat: there’s no such thing as a perfect marriage. Every relationship has its ups and downs.

In the early days, it’s easy to overlook little annoyances because you’re both in the honeymoon phase. But as time goes on, the quirks you once found adorable might start to irk you. [Read: Happily ever after – The steps to find yours and keep it]

Psychologists suggest that this shift from idealization to reality is a normal part of relationship maturation. It’s when the rose-colored glasses come off, and you start seeing your partner for who they really are, flaws and all.

When the honeymoon phase ends, you might feel stressed, disappointed, or even disillusioned. This is especially true if you’ve been feeding on the idea that marriage is a never-ending romantic movie.

Suddenly, you’re faced with mundane realities like bills, chores, and maybe even parenting. These stresses can take a toll on your relationship if not managed well. [Read: Tired of your relationship? 30 burnout signs and quick fixes]

It’s crucial to recognize when things are off track. Denial can be a huge barrier in learning how to fix or repair a marriage.

Psychologist John Gottman talks about the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ in a relationship: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

If you’re experiencing these, it’s a sign to take action. Remember, acknowledging the problem is the first step to fixing it. [Read: Loveless relationship – 54 signs, causes, reasons, and steps to fix it ASAP]

Signs Your Marriage Needs Help

Before you can start fixing or repairing your marriage, you need to recognize the red flags. So, here are ten major signs that suggest it’s time to look for ways to mend the bonds.

1. Communication Breakdown

One of the most glaring signs is when you just can’t talk anymore. Whether it’s giving each other the silent treatment, engaging in endless arguments, or constantly misunderstanding each other, poor communication is a big red flag.

It’s not just about talking, but how you talk and listen to each other that matters in repairing a marriage. [Read: 31 Communication exercises and games for couples and secrets to feel closer]