• Communications between the partners often take on a negative tone of and result in hostility or antagonistic encounters

• Communications are so bad that most talks about marriage problems end up in arguments or verbal fights

• Marital troubles cause one spouse to become depressed, anxious, drink excessively, feel insecure, lose their self-esteem or withdraw

• One or both partners avoids or withdraws from the other or develops a lifestyle that leaves out the other against their wishes

• There are sexual problems in the relationship that cannot seem to be solved and if the sexual problems cause negative feelings or frustration

• Either marital partner has been unfaithful or is seriously considering having an affair

• A couple agrees together that they have marriage problems and do not know how to change things or solve their differences

• A spouse acts out feelings with actions that are mean, hateful or resentful

• Partners are staying together "for the sake of the children"

• Marriage problems have led to violence or physical fighting

If you recognize your marriage in any of the above scenarios then you and your partner may be in serious need of relationship advice in guidance from a trained marriage counselor or family therapist.