Three Biggest Enemies of Marriage

Marriage is a lifelong commitment that requires love, patience, and mutual understanding. However, certain people in your life can act as hidden and biggest ememies, influencing you in ways that can slowly erode your relationship. Here are three types of people who can be the biggest threats to your marriage and why you should avoid them.

The One Who Convinces You That Your Happiness Is the Only Priority

One of the biggest enemies of a successful marriage is the person who constantly tells you that your happiness is the most important thing. They encourage you to focus solely on your own pleasure, disregarding the importance of compromise and sacrifice in a relationship.

This type of person, whether they are a friend, family member, or even a colleague, plants the idea that marriage should always be easy and effortless. They make you believe that if you are not constantly happy, then something is wrong with the relationship. They fail to acknowledge that every marriage has its ups and downs, and sometimes, personal happiness takes a temporary backseat to the greater goal of a strong, lasting bond.

The reality is that marriage requires compromise, sacrifice, and effort. There will be moments where you have to let go of temporary pleasures for the sake of a greater future. If someone in your life continuously pushes you to only think about yourself, they are not your well-wisher; they are subtly steering you toward a selfish mindset that can destroy your marriage.

How to protect yourself:

1. Avoid people who encourage you to always put yourself first, without considering your partner’s needs.
2. Understand that happiness in marriage comes from mutual understanding, not just personal gratification.
3. Focus on building a strong relationship rather than seeking temporary pleasure.

The One Who Glorifies Cheating and Flirting

Another major enemy of marriage is the person who normalizes and glorifies cheating and flirting. These are the friends or family members who say things like:

“It’s just harmless fun.”

“Everyone flirts a little—what’s the big deal?”

“You deserve some excitement outside your marriage.”

This kind of influence is extremely dangerous because it plants the seed of infidelity in your mind, making it seem normal and acceptable. When society starts treating cheating or flirting as a casual or even thrilling activity, people become desensitized to the emotional and moral consequences of their actions.

Even if you are completely loyal, continuously being exposed to such conversations can subconsciously alter your mindset. You may start justifying certain behaviors or feeling dissatisfied with your own partner because you begin comparing them to an unrealistic or exaggerated idea of attraction and excitement.

How to protect yourself:

1. Avoid people who encourage or normalize cheating, even if they present it as harmless fun.
2. Recognize that loyalty and trust are the foundation of any strong marriage.

If you are facing any dissatisfaction in your relationship, communicate with your partner rather than seeking external validation.

The One Who Encourages Contempt Toward Your Partner

The third major enemy of marriage is the person who belittles your partner or constantly highlights their flaws. This could be a friend or a relative who frequently makes sarcastic comments or jokes about your spouse, turning their imperfections into a source of ridicule.

They might say things like:

“Your husband is so lazy; how do you even tolerate him?”

“Your wife is always nagging—she sounds unbearable!”

“You could have done so much better.”

When someone repeatedly points out your partner’s weaknesses in a negative and mocking way, it can start shaping your own perception of them. Even if you never had any issues with your partner before, you might begin viewing them through this distorted lens, focusing only on their flaws rather than their strengths. Over time, this can create resentment and dissatisfaction, leading to unnecessary conflicts and emotional distance.

How to protect yourself:

1. Be mindful of people who frequently criticize your partner.
2. Understand that no one is perfect, and flaws should not define a relationship.
3. Avoid absorbing negativity and instead focus on your partner’s positive qualities.

Final Thoughts: Choose Your Circle Wisely

Your marriage is one of the most important relationships in your life, and who you surround yourself with can significantly impact it. Stay away from people who:

1. Encourage selfishness over commitment.
2. Normalize cheating or flirting.
3. Constantly belittle your spouse.

Instead, build friendships and connections with those who support your marriage, respect your relationship, and encourage a healthy, loving bond between you and your spouse.

Marriage is not about perfection; it’s about understanding, compromise, and growing together. The key to a successful marriage is not only choosing the right partner but also ensuring that you are surrounded by people who uplift and support your union.