FamilyLife.  Help for today.  Hope for tomorrow. 

A Christian organization helping couples
build healthier marriages and families.

FL HomeAbout UsRegistered? Log in | Not registered? Learn more
Find HelpMarriageHealthy MarriageRomance & SexChallenges & ConflictsBetter ParentingSpiritual GrowthFamily Issues
  • Articles
  • Conferences
  • Radio
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Message Boards
  • Newsletters
  • Counseling
  • Shop
  • Donate

FamilyLife Forums

Welcome to FamilyLife Forums Sign in | Join | Help
in Search

Divorce..when is it time?

Last post 11-09-2009, 9:40 AM by Holten. 1 replies.
Sort Posts: Previous Next
  •  11-04-2009, 9:09 PM 67308

    Divorce..when is it time?

    How do you know when it is time to move on? We are trying so hard...but my husband basically hates being around me. I try to be all that he needs me to be....but I still seem to fail. I don't know what to do..I don't want to make him miserable...nor do I want to be.....it just seems like there has to be a way...but nothing good is happening. I want to stay married...I just don't know what to do...I don't think he wants to stay married .....it has been so up and down...and lately mostly down. I am sad and I just want this to work out well.

    Any ideas?

  •  11-09-2009, 9:40 AM 67422 in reply to 67308

    Re: Divorce..when is it time?

    Counseling with a professoinal counselor.

    Talking to the pastor of your church, or the marriage/relationship pastor if you have one.

    Getting connected with a marriage-mentoring couple from your church - some older couple who has worked through difficulties and stayed married and are willing to help you.

    You don't say a lot in your post - but it seems like you are trying to change yourself to fit what your husband wants.  You don't say so explicitly, but I get the sense that your husband isn't exactly committed to being a selfless, Loving, sacrificial partner.  My guess is that he tends to be negative and complains a lot and usually blames YOU for circumstances and his unhappiness.

    If that is the case, then I assert that you will NEVER be good enough for him because what he wants you to be will always be changing.  You will always be a step or a half-step behind.

    That is because the real cause of his misery is not you or your marriage.  YOU don't 'make' your husband miserable - he does.

    First thing I'd do is get yourself right with God and live the life of a Loving, selfless, gracious wife.  Note, that doesn't mean changing yourself to fit what your *husband* wants - it means becoming the woman and wife that GOD wants you to be and Jesus teaches you to be.

    At the same time, you could try to get your husband to go to counseling either with you or, at least, by himself. 

    You have to stop wondering whether he wants to stay married, and ask him outright.  And if he does, then ask him if he will work with you to better your marriage.  And if he will, then see the suggestions above - counseling, mentors, etc.

    If he says he doesn't want to stay married, all you can do is to live the life of a Follower of Christ and be the Loving, selfless, gracious woman and wife you are called to be.


    Love God; Love people.

    Seek first to understand before you seek to be understood.

    Step 1: Toast the Poptart.
View as RSS news feed in XML
Powered by Community Server, by Telligent Systems