Why Overreactions in Marriage Aren’t Always About You

When your spouse shuts down with, “I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” or escalates with threats to leave—it’s easy to take it personally. But often, those reactions are less about the current conflict and more about old wounds being triggered.

A past betrayal, a childhood memory, or even stress from work can surface in the heat of your conversation. If you don’t recognize that, you’ll respond to the words instead of the deeper pain underneath.

Learning to pause, seek context, and listen beyond the outburst can change the trajectory of your conversations. Triggers don’t excuse harmful behavior—but understanding them helps you respond with wisdom instead of defensiveness.

That’s the kind of work we do in Marriage in Bloom, my six-month marriage intensive that gives couples practical tools to communicate with clarity, compassion, and courage. Learn more here: https://debbiecaudle.com/therapy-for-christian-couples/

#marriageinbloom #marriagehelp #christianmarriage #relationshipadvice