The Top Three Reasons Couples Argue (Relationship 101 Series)

1. Lack of Sex

Dr.Oz told the Boston Herald, “The average American has sex once a week. ” However, according to recent studies,  doubling sex to twice a week can cause you to live three years longer (Boston Herald). The problem that has been expressed to me is the fact that many women are feeling neglected in the sexual process. No foreplay, no orgasms, nothing throughout the entire sexual encounter.  The fantasy and thrill are both gone out of many relationships.  This is also a source of depression. Many relationships end because of this issue. What does that mean Dr.O? According to statistics, 1 in 7 women NEVER have an orgasm during intercourse.  This is criminal!  Men we need to get ourselves together.  This is also the most common sexual disorder diagnosed in women. As a result, many women feel sex is a chore, and in some circles even a waste of time. If there is no pleasure for women it can be just a relational obligation. This is now causing marital conflict and an increased rate of infidelity amongst women. Let me break it down in plain English brothers, “Stella ain’t the only one getting her groove back!”  The outcome results in more fighting and a higher percentage of women openly stepping out on their men. How about that for a 21st century change.

2. Lack of Finance

Brothers it is time out for our women being the bread winners. We have to step up to the plate. Yes, today is Women’s  Day. We have got to get it together. I am not convinced of the earth shattering “unemployment rate.”   In my small practice, I have created 4 positions in the last 10 months. All of the  males, except one, who presented where abysmal. They came late to the interview. One I am sure was “high.” Another brother lied on his resume. When I questioned him concerning qualifications on his resume he responded, “I am going to be honest, I did not write the resume.” Sometimes honesty is not the best policy! We must re-invent ourselves. The need for the common laborer has diminished significantly. However, there are programs available to help us move to the next level.  Brothers I understand that unemployment, depression, and criminal recidivism plague our communities but, we must take action! Women are very frustrated working all day while we sit and watch Judge Judy. Yes, brothers this is very common believe it or not.

3. Lack of Trust

Now this one belongs to the women. I understand that your last boyfriend or girlfriend messed around on you, but girlfriend you have got to get your paranoia in check.  Now in many cases, infidelity is the exception and not the rule.  If you are not sure about your spouse/lover’s level of committment check out the blog post on “How to Tell if Your Spouse/Lover is Cheating.” Now ladies you become angry when there is any level of irregularity without prior notification. Sometimes a soft answer turns away days of wrath. The nag, nag, nag may lead you to depression and further lack of sex. It is important to communicate and NOT argue. Share your feelings with your mate. Be honest and open and if you discover that he/she is cheating address it immediately!  The life you save may be your very own.

I want to hear from you! How have these reasons caused an argument in your relationship? What are some other reasons couples argue?

If you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationship take this survey at: Dr. Owens, Pre-Screen Mental Health Assessment

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  • JC

    I approve all of the above. One addition that I think overpowers lack of finance is your mate friends…. I think that is one of the major differences in relationships if friends are totally different in lifestyle, class, education, etc.

    • admin

      @JC I need a little more clarity on how friends can cause stress in an intimate relationship if both parties are mature adults.

  • Nupeskolar3

    Yes I think that sex does play a big part in a relationshiop.
    And all of these topics are tied directly to each other.
    When the money is not right and there is blame then that causes problems of trust and then that leads right to the bedroom.
    Some people think that money solves all problems but it really doesnt. Some feel that if one person is making more than their spouse/partner, they have to kind of bring themselves down to bring that person up. Especially if the woman is the breadwinner.
    If you watched the interview that Oprah did with Whitney Houston, that was a perfect example of that.
    She reduced herself to make her husband feel like he was the head of the house and made all the decisons and it caused problems anyway.
    Have a joint account and your own personal. have a budget and discuss. Encourage dont throw finances in each others faces.
    If there is NO trust in the relationship, thats a sign that you need to see what makes you NOT trust that person. If there are obvious reasons that there is lack of trust….RUN.
    Sex– if you dont feel comfortable and you arent getting what you need or at least trying to meet your partner 1/ 2 way there then there is no way you can make this part of the relationship work. You have to be able to relax and have fun in this area. Make it FUN, not a chore. Dont be s uptight.
    If you are in a committed relationship then there should be a discussion as to what you like or enjoy. Dont make your spouse feel wrong to express how they feel and be open to new things.

    • admin

      @Nupeskolar3 I guess that I am not quite sure of what “New Things” you are talking about as it relates to sexual relations. Shouldn’t this territory be covered before entering into the relationship, marriage, ect.?

  • Nupeskolar3

    Thats true. But sometimes things change. Maybe you need some thing to spice up the relationship if it has gotten bland or boring. (That stops short of inviting a 3rd party into your relationship).
    And things evolve and change. You arent the same person that you were at the begining of a relationship , 10 years later. You grow and mature, hopefully you are bringing them along with you. NOT outgrowing them.
    This is your spouse and or partner. You should be able to confide into this person and tell them any and everything you are feeling. And thats just doesnt mean sex!
    Communication is key and its the best thing that you have going on between you and your partner. Dont assume that they should be able to figure it out. TELL them. If they feel bad because you make more money than they do, discuss and see how to get around that. If they feel like they dont trust you because of X, Y, Z…have that dialog.

    • admin

      @Nupeskolar I think that the focus of this point was on the fact that many women complain about not getting the same excitement/orgasm as many of us men do, are you maybe disagreeing with this observation? I am not sure of the angle-spice-up if there has never been spice to begin in some cases? Help me better understand your view.

  • DOA

    U said that!! Dr O. All 3 are king. But I must say that no matter how mature the couple. Friends can cause couples to argue. All it can takes is OVERLY talking bout the luxurious gifts their friends mate bought for them. This can very well be mistaken for “I wish that was my man/woman. It could simply mean “baby I won’t you to get me that too” but when the finances in the red you will see only the negativity of that convo. Then there’s the friend INDEPENDENTLY speaking on things pretaining to the couples relationship. This maybe things neither have discussed with friends. They just be merely speaking what they think and believe they see. What’s said might be hitting close to home and either partner will think the other is putting business in street. Noone likes the idea that their low sides of the relationship is being discussed in the streets. 9 outta 10 they are making themselves out to be the victim. They won’t share bad parts they playing they will only tell how bad you are.Then there is the Misery Loves Company friend. This person(s) has a mulitude of problems especially with relationships. You really have to be mature and trusting of your partner in order to deal with them. They will lay out a day by day blue print of what your mate might be doing behind your back simply because your partner isn’t there at the time they are or failed to answer ONE phone call. After listening to them so much they’ll start to thinking,hmmm…… maybe they right. That’s bout as bad as getting advice from a psychic over the phone. Friends can turn the small flames of the 3 into raging inferno.

  • Essdie

    I feel like all three things listed can contribute to a couple’s not getting along. If you don’t trust a person, you are bound to question how they manage finances and once the other partner feels attacked about money it only follows that they withhold sex. In case no one knew…relationships can be very hard EVEN when you are with the right person. Arguments can pop up anytime for any reason…

    If either person in the relationship has children from a former relationship, get ready…it’s the “Don’t tell MY kids what to do!” syndrome. This same concept applies to cars, furniture, and electronics; the “custodial parent” feels that they should have a greater say because they brought themm into the relationship with them.

    People get angry about time too. It’s “Why do you have to spend so much time with your: friends, homies, girls, or yo’ momma?” syndrome.

    My favorite reason that couples argue is the obvious one… we argue in anticipation of the great make-up sex! ;)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1282150819 Abbey Furman

    If you have lack of Sex , Money & the most Important of all which is TRUST its a RAP end it NOW!

About Dwight A. Owens, M.D.

As a practicing physician, Dr. Dwight A. Owens, has a respected voice in psychiatry that truly makes an impression. He keeps readers enthralled by refusing to shy away from controversial topics and pulling no punches. He also adds spice to the blog by commenting on the state of relationships at every stage, from the first encounter to the daily struggles in even the most satisfying marriages.

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