Now Reading: The Unspoken Rules of Marriage: Are They Crushing Your Vibe or Keeping It Real?

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A couple sitting on a couch, looking frustrated yet thoughtful, symbolizing unspoken tensions in marriage.
February 11, 2025 / Mondy Dorsainvil

The Unspoken Rules of Marriage: Are They Crushing Your Vibe or Keeping It Real?

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Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the couple on the couch. You know, the ones who’ve been together so long they’ve got matching wrinkles and a shared disdain for how the other one loads the dishwasher. Let’s dive into the unspoken rules of marriage, because they have a way of sneaking up on you like a silent fart in a crowded elevator.


The “You Should Know What I Want” Telepathy Test

First off, we’ve got this mind-reading expectation. You’re in a relationship, not a psychic hotline! How many times have you heard:

“If you loved me, you’d know what I want!”

Look, unless your partner’s got a crystal ball or is secretly Professor Xavier, they can’t read your mind. This unspoken rule is like expecting them to guess the winning lottery numbers every Friday. Spoiler alert: it leads to frustration, not a jackpot.

Solution: Communication, people! It’s not just for emergencies; it’s for everyday life. If you want something, say it. If you’re upset because they didn’t get you chocolate when you “clearly hinted” at it three times—maybe the hint was too subtle. Or maybe… you were just talking to yourself.


The “I Do All The Work” Chore Wars

Then there’s the silent scorekeeping of household tasks. It’s like you’re playing an invisible game of “Who Does More?”

  • “I did the laundry last week, so you owe me one!”
  • “I’ve washed the dishes three nights in a row!”

But ask yourself—who’s really winning here? Keeping score makes marriage feel like a business transaction, with love being some sort of balance sheet.

Fix It:

💡 Have a chore chat, not a chore war!

  • Sit down (maybe over a pizza that neither of you had to cook) and talk about splitting tasks.
  • Play to your strengths—maybe you hate ironing, but they don’t mind it. Trade some tasks.
  • Make it fun! Turn dishwashing into a dance-off or loading the dishwasher into a precision sport.

Trust me—laughter beats resentment any day.


The “We Must Be Joined at the Hip” Clause

Oh, and don’t get me started on the expectation that you must do everything together.

You’re not conjoined twins; you’re individual people who decided to share a life—not every single moment of it. This rule can suffocate a relationship faster than a clingy blanket on a hot summer night.

Reality Check:

Having your own hobbies, friends, and time alone isn’t betrayal—it’s called having a life. Encourage your partner to do their own thing, even if it means you’re home alone with Netflix and a tub of ice cream.

💡 Bonus: Absence makes the heart grow fonder—or at least, it gives you something new to talk about.


The “Never Change” Myth

Here’s a big one—expecting your partner to never change. We’re all evolving.

If you married someone at 25, by 45, they won’t be the same person. And guess what? Neither will you.

Reframing Change:

Instead of resisting it, embrace it. Change means:

✅ Growing together
✅ Exploring new depths of your relationship
✅ Finding new ways to love each other

So, if your partner suddenly starts liking jazz music after years of hating it, maybe it’s time you gave the saxophone a chance too. 🎷


So, Are These Rules Helping or Hurting Your Marriage?

Here’s the truth—these unspoken rules? They’re more like landmines than guidelines. They create expectations that are as clear as mud and as helpful as a screen door on a submarine.

The Secret to Navigating Them?

👉 Talk about them!

💬 Every couple should have “The Unspoken Rules Talk.”

  • What do you expect? 🤔
  • What does your partner expect? 💭
  • What’s realistic? And what’s just wishful thinking?

Marriage isn’t about following some outdated rulebook—it’s about writing your own story together.

The best chapters? The ones where you laugh at these unspoken rules, adjust them, or toss them out the window.

At the end of the day, you’re not here to win a rulebook—you’re here to love, laugh, and grow with your partner.Even if that means redefining what “normal” looks like in your marriage.

So, go ahead—break some rules. Make your marriage uniquely yours. Because sometimes, the best thing you can do for your love life is to rewrite the script.

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Mondy Dorsainvil

I'm a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with over 12 years of experience in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of their lives. Specializing in communication, conflict resolution, intimacy issues, and parenting challenges, I offer evidence-based and culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions tailored to each client’s unique needs. My approach is systemic and strengths-based, focusing on leveraging inherent strengths to achieve personal and relational goals. Committed to professional development, I stay abreast of the latest research and practices in Marriage and Family Therapy, including LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy. Join me here as we explore insightful strategies for positive change and personal growth.

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    The Unspoken Rules of Marriage: Are They Crushing Your Vibe or Keeping It Real?