My marriage is struggling

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Carlyw

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Aug 27, 2025
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My marriage is struggling. I dont exactly know what to ask for prayer for as I am genuinely not sure how to perceive reality. My/Our pastoral counsoler thinks my husband may be a narcissist, but at times hes so caring. I cant tell if he genuinely cares for me or not. Either way, we are not getting along as well as I would like. I do not know if I am the problem or not. Talking through things has not worked, and it seems that we just argue. I cant really mention things without him getting upset. I want to be a good biblical wife, but it's hard. I don't know what this looks like. I am submissive. I pray a lot for us but it seems that things just keep getting worse.

Sorry if this post is like a mess. My brain is in complete scrambles right now and im trying not to mention too much, as I want to uphold a good reputation for my husband and I don't know who may find this.
 
My marriage is struggling. I dont exactly know what to ask for prayer for as I am genuinely not sure how to perceive reality. My/Our pastoral counsoler thinks my husband may be a narcissist, but at times hes so caring. I cant tell if he genuinely cares for me or not. Either way, we are not getting along as well as I would like. I do not know if I am the problem or not. Talking through things has not worked, and it seems that we just argue. I cant really mention things without him getting upset. I want to be a good biblical wife, but it's hard. I don't know what this looks like. I am submissive. I pray a lot for us but it seems that things just keep getting worse.

Sorry if this post is like a mess. My brain is in complete scrambles right now and im trying not to mention too much, as I want to uphold a good reputation for my husband and I don't know who may find this.
How long have u been married and for how long did u know your husband before u got married ? U don't have to tell me , just think about these two important questions for yourself . Has something changed recently , new job ? House move ? Anuyi that might b stressing him out ? A lot of men think that they always have to b the strong one and not complain or tell u if they r not feeling great mentally . Maybe stop talking about your problems and try to bond a bit more ? Concentrate on the good things , the things u both like , spend some time just relaxing together , being in love , being affectionate , have a day out together , make each other laugh etc , get back to bring a happy young couple in love with each other ? It's hard for anyone to give specific advice when u won't b specific about your problems . My hubby has all kinds of personality disorders and he doesn't like to burden me with his sensitivities but obviously I can tell when he's feeling a bit flat . He hadn't been very happy for about a week and none of my usually treatments were working so , I got a piece of round firm cardboard from the bottom of a fresh bought pizza and made him a little picture on it out of silver and red chocolate wrappers , the shiny ones . It was just a big pair of red lips , a few love hearts and the word ' love ' all in red crinkly chocolate wrappers on a silver foil background . It did the trick 😜 . B romantic ? Just my thoughts , hope u r both talking to God together ❤️
 
My marriage is struggling. I dont exactly know what to ask for prayer for as I am genuinely not sure how to perceive reality. My/Our pastoral counsoler thinks my husband may be a narcissist, but at times hes so caring. I cant tell if he genuinely cares for me or not. Either way, we are not getting along as well as I would like. I do not know if I am the problem or not. Talking through things has not worked, and it seems that we just argue. I cant really mention things without him getting upset. I want to be a good biblical wife, but it's hard. I don't know what this looks like. I am submissive. I pray a lot for us but it seems that things just keep getting worse.

Sorry if this post is like a mess. My brain is in complete scrambles right now and im trying not to mention too much, as I want to uphold a good reputation for my husband and I don't know who may find this.
Narcissists like to talk but they r not very good listeners , they don't take criticisms well and they enjoy drama and arguing . If this sounds familiar.....
 
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My marriage is struggling. I dont exactly know what to ask for prayer for as I am genuinely not sure how to perceive reality. My/Our pastoral counsoler thinks my husband may be a narcissist, but at times hes so caring. I cant tell if he genuinely cares for me or not. Either way, we are not getting along as well as I would like. I do not know if I am the problem or not. Talking through things has not worked, and it seems that we just argue. I cant really mention things without him getting upset. I want to be a good biblical wife, but it's hard. I don't know what this looks like. I am submissive. I pray a lot for us but it seems that things just keep getting worse.

Sorry if this post is like a mess. My brain is in complete scrambles right now and im trying not to mention too much, as I want to uphold a good reputation for my husband and I don't know who may find this.

Your intention is good, so have no guilt or shame regarding your post. You want love to be responded to with love, there is never ever any wrong in that. Let's get that crystal clear, never be worried about doing good.

I do however understand that you will want to keep certain details to yourself, there is nothing wrong with that, there is a time, a place and an audience for each conversation.

I understand you have taken this to prayer, I would suggest that you pray the solution rather than the problem. It can be easy to think about the list of issues we face, but that's obvious already, hence our urge to pray. So go one further, now that you know the issue, think of how it would look when resolved. How do you treat each other when happier? How do you spend your time? Think on these things instead, and truly believe that they will appear.
 
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My marriage is struggling. I dont exactly know what to ask for prayer for as I am genuinely not sure how to perceive reality. My/Our pastoral counsoler thinks my husband may be a narcissist, but at times hes so caring. I cant tell if he genuinely cares for me or not. Either way, we are not getting along as well as I would like. I do not know if I am the problem or not. Talking through things has not worked, and it seems that we just argue. I cant really mention things without him getting upset. I want to be a good biblical wife, but it's hard. I don't know what this looks like. I am submissive. I pray a lot for us but it seems that things just keep getting worse.

Sorry if this post is like a mess. My brain is in complete scrambles right now and im trying not to mention too much, as I want to uphold a good reputation for my husband and I don't know who may find this.
I'm not exactly sure what a 'good biblical wife' is but I know what a good wife is.

How long have you been married? Kids? Financial status?

Sorry that you are in this bind. Seems that you are doing all of the right things.

Glad to have you onboard with us.

Welcome to CC.
 
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My marriage is struggling. I dont exactly know what to ask for prayer for as I am genuinely not sure how to perceive reality. My/Our pastoral counsoler thinks my husband may be a narcissist, but at times hes so caring. I cant tell if he genuinely cares for me or not. Either way, we are not getting along as well as I would like. I do not know if I am the problem or not. Talking through things has not worked, and it seems that we just argue. I cant really mention things without him getting upset. I want to be a good biblical wife, but it's hard. I don't know what this looks like. I am submissive. I pray a lot for us but it seems that things just keep getting worse.

Sorry if this post is like a mess. My brain is in complete scrambles right now and im trying not to mention too much, as I want to uphold a good reputation for my husband and I don't know who may find this.

I'm sorry you are going through this. I'll pray for your situation.

If I may just make a few overall comments. Obviously knowing almost nothing about your relationship and the specifics of the problem.

I really feel the term "narcissist" is waaay overused today. I'm NOT saying it may not be true in your situation, just seems like any negative behaviors or disagreements are chalked up to the person being a narcissist in today's culture.

The truth is, to some degree, we are ALL narcissists to differing degrees. It's part and parcel of our fallen sin nature.

Not enough info to give many more thoughts on it. Especially concerning whether he is a saved Christian, you both attend Church, pray together, (he should be initiating that) and MOST importantly, whether you put God above, and in the center of your marriage.

May the peace, joy, and love of Christ reign in your heart and over your marriage.
 
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My marriage is struggling. I dont exactly know what to ask for prayer for as I am genuinely not sure how to perceive reality. My/Our pastoral counsoler thinks my husband may be a narcissist, but at times hes so caring. I cant tell if he genuinely cares for me or not. Either way, we are not getting along as well as I would like. I do not know if I am the problem or not. Talking through things has not worked, and it seems that we just argue. I cant really mention things without him getting upset. I want to be a good biblical wife, but it's hard. I don't know what this looks like. I am submissive. I pray a lot for us but it seems that things just keep getting worse.

Sorry if this post is like a mess. My brain is in complete scrambles right now and im trying not to mention too much, as I want to uphold a good reputation for my husband and I don't know who may find this.

Maybe ask him if there's something on his mind that he has a hard time letting go of.
Try to softly get him to open up about what's behind his eyes. There's probably something there that he has difficulty letting go of, but doesn't feel like anyone else would understand if he tried to describe it.
Maybe there are big dreams. Maybe there are disturbing memories. Maybe there are both.
If he's skilled and good at work, if he's considerate and makes plans for others, there's definitely more things that he sees besides himself.
 
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as I am genuinely not sure how to perceive reality.

Its called gaslighting....with the goal of manipulation. So the person can control you.

Marriage is NEVER about manipulation or controlling the other person. It is all about two equals joining together....

If you are not enough for your partner, you can never change your behavior enough to be enough....
However, if you somehow get close to changing yourself enough, they will throw you away like spoiled fish and never look back.
(This can be dangerous)
Especially when the narcissist feels they are losing control over you or is done with you.


Guys are usually fairly simple to please....food, entertainment, and ego stroking.
Guys are also fairly easy to anger,.... disrespect, belittling, discounting, complete boredom of no goal to obtain.
 
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-Let us pray to understand that marriage is a two-way commitment and requires
both parties must be willing to change to ensure a sound compatibility.


-Pray to understand. Willingness to change and compromise is crucial for a sound, long-term relationship,
as it is a core component of building compatibility with tough love and respect.
-Rather than being a static measure of shared interests, healthy compatibility is a dynamic process
where both partners evolve together and adapt to each other's changing needs.
'Amen'
man-praying - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy.jpg

 
How long have u been married and for how long did u know your husband before u got married ? U don't have to tell me , just think about these two important questions for yourself . Has something changed recently , new job ? House move ? Anuyi that might b stressing him out ? A lot of men think that they always have to b the strong one and not complain or tell u if they r not feeling great mentally . Maybe stop talking about your problems and try to bond a bit more ? Concentrate on the good things , the things u both like , spend some time just relaxing together , being in love , being affectionate , have a day out together , make each other laugh etc , get back to bring a happy young couple in love with each other ? It's hard for anyone to give specific advice when u won't b specific about your problems . My hubby has all kinds of personality disorders and he doesn't like to burden me with his sensitivities but obviously I can tell when he's feeling a bit flat . He hadn't been very happy for about a week and none of my usually treatments were working so , I got a piece of round firm cardboard from the bottom of a fresh bought pizza and made him a little picture on it out of silver and red chocolate wrappers , the shiny ones . It was just a big pair of red lips , a few love hearts and the word ' love ' all in red crinkly chocolate wrappers on a silver foil background . It did the trick 😜 . B romantic ? Just my thoughts , hope u r both talking to God together ❤️


1 year now, we knew eachother for years. We didn't date long however, we more so courted. We talked a lot but not alone much, and I didn't spend time with him alone often or get to see too much of his personal life unfortunately. Neither did he see mine. Nothing new comes to mind.

I think your advice is great, and I try so very hard to not talk about my problems. The issue is that we never resolve important conflicts like cheating/unfaithfulness and my trust in him is none existent. I try very hard to trust him. When we do try to talk, it doesnt go well. I dont feel as if I get a chance to speak and I see very little remorse. He denies what I know through evidence. I do feel kind of crazy because of this.

Your kind gestures towrds your husband are so cute and honorable! I admire this and i hope to be able to do the same:)

We had been doing VERY well because I had kept quiet and bottled everything up, but sensing unfaithfulness again, I became upset and wanted to talk about things. I cant say im right, but I do want to have a voice.

I dont currently have one. Though he says I do.
 
Your intention is good, so have no guilt or shame regarding your post. You want love to be responded to with love, there is never ever any wrong in that. Let's get that crystal clear, never be worried about doing good.

I do however understand that you will want to keep certain details to yourself, there is nothing wrong with that, there is a time, a place and an audience for each conversation.

I understand you have taken this to prayer, I would suggest that you pray the solution rather than the problem. It can be easy to think about the list of issues we face, but that's obvious already, hence our urge to pray. So go one further, now that you know the issue, think of how it would look when resolved. How do you treat each other when happier? How do you spend your time? Think on these things instead, and truly believe that they will appear.


Thank you for this very valuable advice. I will be mindful of how I pray. I have been trying to pray for solutions rather than my problems. Its just hard as the only solution I can seem to muster is confusing. I cant tell if its the right thing to do or not. I know that faithfulness and patience and endurance is what God would want from me. But as for what this looks like in this season, I do not know.

We treat eachother well when things are going well and im being positive and not mentioning my problems. The issue is that there has been betrayal of sorts and now I am not comfortable with certain things. When I mention how I still mistrust, things get foggy again. Im expected to accept and move on despite not having any answers.

Do I continue to just move on despite the betrayal and continuance of sketchy actions? Is this enabling bad behavior in my husband that is leading him into sin...when I do hes happy. We get along but im deep down dying inside.

Or do I voice things and whats neglected comes and rises up to the surface and causes division.

I know I cant change him or give him a heart that wants what I want for us. And it would be wrong for me to insist on my own way...but the one thing I do want is faithfulness and a sense of importance. Not only in word but in action.

I cant tell if this is wrong.
 
1 year now, we knew eachother for years. We didn't date long however, we more so courted. We talked a lot but not alone much, and I didn't spend time with him alone often or get to see too much of his personal life unfortunately. Neither did he see mine. Nothing new comes to mind.

I think your advice is great, and I try so very hard to not talk about my problems. The issue is that we never resolve important conflicts like cheating/unfaithfulness and my trust in him is none existent. I try very hard to trust him. When we do try to talk, it doesnt go well. I dont feel as if I get a chance to speak and I see very little remorse. He denies what I know through evidence. I do feel kind of crazy because of this.

Your kind gestures towrds your husband are so cute and honorable! I admire this and i hope to be able to do the same:)

We had been doing VERY well because I had kept quiet and bottled everything up, but sensing unfaithfulness again, I became upset and wanted to talk about things. I cant say im right, but I do want to have a voice.

I dont currently have one. Though he says I do.
Oh gosh ! I'm so sorry , unfaithfulness is a very very hard thing to put up with . He is definitely pushing your boundaries with that . I don't think I could tolerate that for long . A moment of madness can happen to the best of us but if it's a regular problem , u might want to consider your position . As a Christian lady u r within your rights to divorce him if u wish , no doubt about that . Please be careful though , if he is mentally unstable he may react very badly to u leaving him and if he is a true narcissist he will view u as his possession . Please get some support , talk to someone that u trust implicitly , u r in an awful position and I'm so sorry for u . First and foremost protect yourself , physically and emotionally , lean on your family if u can , your physical family and your spiritual one . B calm and patient and certain of any move u decide to make . Most of all pray , ask God every day to guide u in the right path and wait , He will answer u if u trust in Him and wait for His reply . I will b thinking if u often , please keep on here and keep talking to us ❤️
 
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Its called gaslighting....with the goal of manipulation. So the person can control you.

Marriage is NEVER about manipulation or controlling the other person. It is all about two equals joining together....

If you are not enough for your partner, you can never change your behavior enough to be enough....
However, if you somehow get close to changing yourself enough, they will throw you away like spoiled fish and never look back.
(This can be dangerous)
Especially when the narcissist feels they are losing control over you or is done with you.


Guys are usually fairly simple to please....food, entertainment, and ego stroking.
Guys are also fairly easy to anger,.... disrespect, belittling, discounting, complete boredom of no goal to obtain.

I understand this and agree with you. Are you insinuating however that if I get close enough to being what he wants that he will throw me away? I am very fluid and change depending on what he asks from me, though he still critiques me for my past actions i do genuinely change to the point where he will say "yeah you did change but you still did this". I'll take that as a victory. But not if it means I loose myself in him and then am thrown out. I guess these things are usually valuable to change to some extent anyway.

I would say hes content until I mention past events that weve never resolved. He has reasons that dont make sense or completely denies that they even happened despite all evidence.

I however am stuck walking a very thin tightrope as to not fall off of good behavior and complacency.

We are in couples counseling now, from a pastor but so far it's can tell hes not pleased as hes not getting what he wants from it. Its unfortunate. I think we will still continue to go for the moment being.
 
I'm not exactly sure what a 'good biblical wife' is but I know what a good wife is.

How long have you been married? Kids? Financial status?

Sorry that you are in this bind. Seems that you are doing all of the right things.

Glad to have you onboard with us.

Welcome to CC.

You are so kind! Thank you <3 we do not have kids yet, and we've been married for a year
 
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Just like babies, married couples go thru the "terrible 2's". The first 2 years are worst for some because your really getting to know each other.
Remember, in order to get your husband to be his best, don't forget to be a deserving "best" as well.
Not judging your situation, but many couples have many "I wish he.... I wish she...." scenarios without looking at themselves. :)
 
Thank
Oh gosh ! I'm so sorry , unfaithfulness is a very very hard thing to put up with . He is definitely pushing your boundaries with that . I don't think I could tolerate that for long . A moment of madness can happen to the best of us but if it's a regular problem , u might want to consider your position . As a Christian lady u r within your rights to divorce him if u wish , no doubt about that . Please be careful though , if he is mentally unstable he may react very badly to u leaving him and if he is a true narcissist he will view u as his possession . Please get some support , talk to someone that u trust implicitly , u r in an awful position and I'm so sorry for u . First and foremost protect yourself , physically and emotionally , lean on your family if u can , your physical family and your spiritual one . B calm and patient and certain of any move u decide to make . Most of all pray , ask God every day to guide u in the right path and wait , He will answer u if u trust in Him and wait for His reply . I will b thinking if u often , please keep on here and keep talking to us ❤️

Thank you ❤️ Im planning on staying, im not one to give up on people. Im hoping that somehow God will soften our hearts and that we will begin to be as Christ and the Church, though i don't know how that will happen I know its possible. I can't lean on anyone as my family shamed me after getting married to him and any talk about marriage has made my Dad very angry. My mom would talk, though she would blame me for what has happened. My sister won't talk to me at the moment and my brother never has. My family has never been close. I have one freind but she gives no opinions on things probably for good reasons as it could cause divisiveness, shes wise in doing so.

As of now im isolated, but im content with it as ive never really had good supports to begin with. I do have a pastoral counsoler and he is of good help.

I am hopeful for the future to some extent yet so grieved at the same time.

Thank you for your kind words/ prayers and responses I highly appreciate them!
 
Just like babies, married couples go thru the "terrible 2's". The first 2 years are worst for some because your really getting to know each other.
Remember, in order to get your husband to be his best, don't forget to be a deserving "best" as well.
Not judging your situation, but many couples have many "I wish he.... I wish she...." scenarios without looking at themselves. :)
I

I completely agree! I am trying to be mindful of my actions. I do not complain often or nag. I try to be rational and logical. I really just shape myself to be who he wishes me to be, when I do we get along better.

Some things I struggle to let go of though. This is where conflict arises. Though most of the time I keep my mouth shut because he when I communicate to him about things, it doesnt go well.

I dont expect his best funny enough, just that hes honest and willing to communicate in a manner thats appropriate.

I want to be able to talk about things without being dismissed or called names. And I would like some type of remorse and aknowladgement shown regarding things that are genuinely bad(past cheating/unfaithful behavior).

However I know that i can not force it, and can not change him. So im patient. It is just frustrating.

Right now im having a hard time keeping my "positive" front on. This leads to us not getting along.
 
Thank you for this very valuable advice. I will be mindful of how I pray. I have been trying to pray for solutions rather than my problems. Its just hard as the only solution I can seem to muster is confusing. I cant tell if its the right thing to do or not. I know that faithfulness and patience and endurance is what God would want from me. But as for what this looks like in this season, I do not know.

We treat eachother well when things are going well and im being positive and not mentioning my problems. The issue is that there has been betrayal of sorts and now I am not comfortable with certain things. When I mention how I still mistrust, things get foggy again. Im expected to accept and move on despite not having any answers.

Do I continue to just move on despite the betrayal and continuance of sketchy actions? Is this enabling bad behavior in my husband that is leading him into sin...when I do hes happy. We get along but im deep down dying inside.

Or do I voice things and whats neglected comes and rises up to the surface and causes division.

I know I cant change him or give him a heart that wants what I want for us. And it would be wrong for me to insist on my own way...but the one thing I do want is faithfulness and a sense of importance. Not only in word but in action.

I cant tell if this is wrong.

I do not have all the details, nor do I ask for them. But, I think there may be misunderstanding regarding what a "Christian wife" should be. The advice given to wives is to trust that the Husband will have their best interests at heart, but the Husband must actually fulfill their role in doing so. Nobody has any right to bring harm, suffering or abuse to another. A house divided cannot stand, and that truth is fractal, it scales up from an actual household to entire nations and continents.

Ephesians 5:23 - For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Christ is for us and never against. If the Husband is head of the wife, he should be for her and never against. Hence what 5:25 goes on to say; Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

What else could be given, Christ loved us that he gave His life and conquered death so that we may live and live fully!

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

This is the mindset the Husband agrees to have, He is to protect and serve His wife.

The below summarises perfectly, benevolence is used here, a beautiful description of the goal. Note that each is responsible for the other, neither controls both, but rather with good intentions they are committed to the welfare of the other.

1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
1 Corinthians 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.