Feelings of being alone or not being loved are often what drive the desire to leave a marriage. In most cases, women feel lonely because they do not have enough emotional connection; men are more likely to feel lonely when their physical connection is not met. Understanding your partner and how they are, why they do what they do, and what drives their need for companionship will help you build a stronger bond with them and ultimately a happier marriage.

In a toxic relationship, your spouse may belittle you, be bad-tempered or jealous, gaslight you by denying something happened even when there is proof to the contrary, make you feel guilty when you don't live up to his or her expectations, or be selfish and self-centered. Toxic relationships can make you feel insecure, helpless, anxious, or depressed. Your psychological well-being must be at the top of your priorities. Stop tolerating toxic behaviours in your marriage and get help. Know the difference between a narcissist or just a prideful spouse and learn what it takes to deal with them effectively without compromising yourself in any way.

Unfortunately, it is common knowledge that infidelity has a devastating impact on the marriage. When trust is broken and a promise to remain loyal is ignored, the result can be a loss of respect for that person. But anything that violates the commitment of a marriage through loss of trust, respect, and protection can be a form of betrayal. Keeping good communication with your spouse and prioritising them is paramount to a healthy marriage; though most couples lack the knowledge and actions to do so.

When your expectations for marriage don't match up with your partner's, you may start to feel disappointed. What you expected from marriage may not be what happens. This can lead to frustration and disappointment. This feeling is normal for most couples, but it can still be painful and confusing if it happens to you. You need to work out what to do if you are in this type of marriage. Should you or your partner change according to each other's needs? Is it even possible to do so? or is the marriage headed for disaster?

Family interference is a common problem in Muslim marriages. Many newlyweds have to deal with control, interference, inconvenience, and the clashing of values and traditions from their parents or in-laws. That's why we have terms like the 'out-laws' or the 'bother-in-laws'. But jokes aside, family interference is a major issue because as Muslims we are taught to respect not only other people but families as well. So how do you draw the line? How much can you tolerate before your relationship with your spouse suffers? What are the tools available to help assert yourself in a respectful way?

When one or both spouses are addicted to something, it can tear a marriage apart. Addictions lead to depression for the addict and for their partner as well. In the last few years, phones, social media and porn addictions have had more of an impact on marriages than alcohol and drug addictions. Any addiction is unhealthy and impacts negatively on the relationship. Identifying tell-tale signs and markers, and seeking help early can reduce the chances of a marriage failing.

Allah created us for connection and relationship with each other. Trauma, however, can disrupt our need for connection. When this happens, emotional distance may become the norm in our relationships. Mutual empathy can be difficult to achieve. And trusting other people, even a spouse, can feel like an overwhelming task. What are the triggers and fears? Understanding will provide insight into how you or your spouse’s past trauma is affecting the relationship and a desire to stick it out and seek help through the dark moments can make for the best marriage of all, a long lasting and unbreakable bond.