

{"id":103551,"date":"2024-08-11T15:33:34","date_gmt":"2024-08-11T15:33:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=103551"},"modified":"2025-04-28T05:51:02","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T05:51:02","slug":"my-husband-puts-his-family-before-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/my-husband-puts-his-family-before-me\/","title":{"rendered":"My Husband Puts His Family Before Me: Signs, Reasons &#038; What to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-103554\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1035342079.jpg\" alt=\"Couple having conflicts \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&rsquo;ve planned a special dinner to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/family\/how-to-celebrate-an-anniversary-in-a-bad-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">celebrate your anniversary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but at the last minute, your husband cancels because his mother needs help with something trivial. You feel hurt and sidelined, and it&rsquo;s not the first time this has happened.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does this sound familiar? Do you often find yourself wondering, &ldquo;Why does my husband put his family before me?&rdquo; or &ldquo;Why is my husband obsessed with his family?&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pause and think for a moment.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Have you caught yourself feeling like a secondary priority in your marriage, consistently overshadowed by his obligations to his parents or siblings?&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&rsquo;re not alone. Many partners experience this same frustration and confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/371832799_Investigation_of_the_Effect_of_Childhood_Traumas_on_Mental_Health_and_Family_Functionality_in_Context_of_Intergeneration_Line\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in the Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, familial loyalty can sometimes stem from deep-rooted cultural norms or unresolved childhood dynamics.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article will dig deep into the possible reasons behind your husband&rsquo;s behavior and provide practical techniques to address the issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We understand how isolating and challenging this situation can be. We&rsquo;re here to help you find a balance that respects both your needs and his familial bonds.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/parenting\/tips-to-prioritizing-your-relationship-while-parenting\/\" title=\"Baby on the Way? 3 Tips to Prioritizing Your Relationship While Parenting\">Baby on the Way? 3 Tips to Prioritizing Your Relationship While Parenting<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should-you-always-prioritize-your-spouse-over-others\"><\/span><b>Should you always prioritize your spouse over others?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationships can be complex, and the question of prioritization often comes up. Should you always put your spouse first?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&rsquo;re juggling work, friends, and family, and suddenly, you feel like you&rsquo;re caught in a loyalty tug-of-war. Maybe you&rsquo;re asking yourself, &ldquo;My husband puts his family before me; is that fair?&rdquo; or &ldquo;Why my husband always puts his family before me, even when I need him?&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>It&rsquo;s crucial to strike a balance.&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>While it&rsquo;s important to maintain close ties with extended family, your spouse should feel valued and prioritized.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> After all, your partner is your chosen family, the person you&rsquo;ve committed to sharing your life with. Constantly feeling sidelined can breed resentment and distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/making-sex-a-priority-in-your-marriage\/\" title=\"Making Sex a Priority in Your Marriage\">Making Sex a Priority in Your Marriage<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-happens-when-you-don%E2%80%99t-prioritize-your-partner\"><\/span><b>What happens when you don&rsquo;t prioritize your partner?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine feeling like an afterthought in your own relationship. It&rsquo;s disheartening and can lead to a cascade of emotional turmoil.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>According to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/348544942_Factors_Affecting_Marital_Satisfaction_and_Marital_Communication_Among_Marital_Women_Literature_of_Review\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> done on factors affecting marital satisfaction, couples who fail to prioritize each other often experience decreased marital satisfaction and increased conflict.<\/p><\/div>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you constantly hear yourself thinking, &ldquo;My husband puts his family before me,&rdquo; it&rsquo;s more than just a passing concern&mdash;it&rsquo;s a signal that something fundamental is out of balance. When your husband chooses his family over you repeatedly, it can erode the very foundation of your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some consequences:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling neglected can create a growing <\/span><b>emotional gap<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between you and your partner.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent sidelining can lead to <\/span><b>deep-seated resentment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, affecting how you interact daily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When one partner feels undervalued, <\/span><b>genuine communication often diminishes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constant prioritization of others can make you <\/span><b>question your partner&rsquo;s loyalty and commitment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional neglect often translates into <\/span><b>physical disconnection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, impacting your intimacy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cumulative effect of these issues can put <\/span><b>immense strain on the relationship<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making it hard to sustain a healthy partnership.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/how-to-balance-priorities-in-marriage\/\" title=\"5 Ways on How to balance priorities in Marriage\">5 Ways on How to balance priorities in Marriage<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7-possible-reasons-why-your-husband-puts-his-family-first\"><\/span><b>7 possible reasons why your husband puts his family first<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Why does my husband put his family before me again and again?&rdquo;<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you are caught in this loop, it is better to understand the potential causes behind it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">According to <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/jenni-jacobsen\" target=\"_blank\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, LCSW:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sometimes, families follow collectivist cultural values, in which the group&rsquo;s well-being is valued above individual needs and desires. In such a cultural dynamic, it may feel as if your husband puts his family before you. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">On the other hand, sometimes this issue arises as a result of unhealthy family dynamics, such as enmeshment, in which family members have poor boundaries and do not respect each other&rsquo;s separateness.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are seven reasons why &ldquo;My husband puts his family first&rdquo;, along with what they can mean to your husband and his known ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<table id=\"tablepress-83\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-83\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1 odd\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Possible reason<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Understand it this way<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Cultural norms<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">In many cultures, family loyalty is paramount. If you're thinking, \"My husband puts his family before me,\" it might be due to deeply ingrained cultural values.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Close family bonds<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Strong familial ties can lead to a sense of obligation. When your husband prioritizes his family, it\u2019s often because he feels a deep connection and responsibility.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Guilt and pressure<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sometimes, family members can exert pressure, making him feel guilty if he doesn\u2019t prioritize them. This can make you feel like my husband always puts his family before me.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Unresolved childhood issues<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Unresolved issues from childhood can lead to an over-reliance on family as a source of stability and support.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Fear of conflict<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Avoiding conflict with family can lead him to always put them first, to keep the peace and avoid potential arguments or tensions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Lack of awareness<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">He might not realize the impact his actions have on you. Open communication can help address the feeling that \u201cmy husband puts his family before me.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Emotional dependence<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Emotional dependence on family can make it difficult for him to prioritize his spouse, often leading to frustration and feeling sidelined.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-83 from cache --><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/ways-to-make-your-wife-priority\/\" title=\"25 Ways To Make Your Wife A Priority\">25 Ways To Make Your Wife A Priority<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13-signs-your-husband-puts-his-family-first\"><\/span><b>13 signs your husband puts his family first<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-103553\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1792981078.jpg\" alt=\"Woman busy in smartphone \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine feeling like you come second in your own marriage. Remember that weekend getaway you planned for months? Canceled because his sister &ldquo;needs help&rdquo; (again).&nbsp; Or maybe it&rsquo;s the constant arguments where you feel unheard, his family&rsquo;s opinion always outweighing yours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s not about him not loving you, but sometimes family dynamics can become unbalanced. Here are some signs to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. He cancels plans with you for them<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine feeling excited about a date night or weekend getaway, only to have it canceled because his family &ldquo;needs help&rdquo; (again). This <\/span><b>frequent prioritizing of their requests over your pre-arranged plans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be frustrating and chip away at trust.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. He always takes their side in arguments<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disagreements are a normal part of any relationship. But during arguments, do you feel like you&rsquo;re constantly outnumbered and unheard? <\/span><b>Does he consistently side with his family, even when you have a valid point?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This constant defense can make you feel isolated and unimportant in your own relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. He discusses personal matters with them first<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine a major life decision you&rsquo;re excited to share with him, only to discover he&rsquo;s already discussed it with his family. <\/span><b>Sharing personal and sensitive information first with his family<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be a blow to trust and intimacy. Open communication and prioritizing each other&rsquo;s feelings are crucial for a strong bond.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. He spends more time with them than with you<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Do weekends feel more like family reunions <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with little to no dedicated time for just the two of you? While spending time with family is important, neglecting quality couple time can create a feeling of distance and neglect. A healthy marriage thrives on shared experiences and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. He seeks their approval for major decisions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to important choices, like finances or vacations, <\/span><b>do you feel like your input is valued less than his family&rsquo;s?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Constantly seeking their approval over discussing things openly with you can be a major blow to your sense of partnership and equality in the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. He prioritizes their needs over yours<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Does he consistently prioritize his family&rsquo;s needs and desires over yours?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Maybe he readily helps his siblings move furniture while your long-pending home improvement project remains untouched. A balanced relationship involves mutual consideration and compromise, ensuring both partners feel their needs are met.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. He expects you to adapt to their traditions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Does your husband insist on rigidly following his family&rsquo;s traditions without considering your preferences?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While honoring traditions is important, a healthy marriage involves creating new traditions together and respecting each other&rsquo;s customs. Rigidity can lead to resentment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. He defers to their opinions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Does your husband often defer to his family&rsquo;s opinions on various matters, big or small?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This can make you feel like your own voice and perspective don&rsquo;t hold weight. Feeling unheard and undervalued can erode self-esteem and weaken the partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/conversations-every-couple-needs-for-a-better-marriage\/\" title=\"10 Conversations Every Couple Needs to Have for a Better Marriage\">10 Conversations Every Couple Needs to Have for a Better Marriage<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>9. He invites them to every outing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Does your husband constantly invite his family to join every outing or event<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even when you were hoping for some quality couple time? While spending time with extended family is enriching, it&rsquo;s crucial to have dedicated space for just the two of you to nurture intimacy and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. He avoids conflict with them at all costs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Does he go to great lengths to avoid any conflict with his family<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even if it means sacrificing your feelings or needs? This constant appeasement can lead to unresolved issues and long-term resentment building within you. Healthy communication involves addressing concerns constructively.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>11. He defends their unreasonable behavior<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Does your husband defend his family&rsquo;s unreasonable or hurtful behavior towards you?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This can leave you feeling isolated and unsupported. A healthy marriage involves open communication and addressing disrespectful behavior, even from family.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>12. He makes excuses for their intrusions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Does your husband constantly make excuses for his family&rsquo;s intrusive behavior<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even when they&rsquo;ve crossed boundaries? This sends the message that their presence and opinions hold more value than your comfort and well-being. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for a happy marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>13. He puts their happiness above your relationship<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, <\/span><b>if your husband&rsquo;s actions consistently prioritize his family&rsquo;s happiness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over the well-being of your relationship, it&rsquo;s a clear sign that you might not be his top priority. This can be incredibly isolating and painful.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/put-some-happiness-into-your-marriage-in-one-easy-step\/\" title=\"Put Some Happiness Into Your Marriage With These Easy Steps\">Put Some Happiness Into Your Marriage With These Easy Steps<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-wise-things-to-do-if-your-husband-always-puts-his-family-first\"><\/span><b>5 wise things to do if your husband always puts his family first<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-103552\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1210946029.jpg\" alt=\"Thoughtful woman \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be incredibly challenging and emotionally draining when you feel like &ldquo;my husband puts his family before me.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of letting resentment build up, it&rsquo;s important to take proactive steps to address the situation. Here are five wise things to do if your husband always prioritizes his family over you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Speak your heart out<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>Openly communicating feelings and concerns leads to greater satisfaction in relationships. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7459658\/#:~:text=Communicating%20one%27s%20feelings%20and%20concerns,well%2Dbeing%20%5B3%5D.\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also indicates that discussing day-to-day events is associated with enhanced individual and relational well-being.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Start by: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting aside uninterrupted time to talk with your husband about how you feel. Express that when &ldquo;my husband puts his family before me,&rdquo; it affects your emotional well-being and the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Continue by: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using &ldquo;I&rdquo; statements to communicate your feelings without sounding accusatory. For example, &ldquo;I feel neglected when our plans are canceled for family events.&rdquo; This approach encourages a constructive dialogue and helps him understand your perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Jennifer Jacobsen highlights that:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>The first step in resolving this dilemma is communicating your concerns.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><b>2. Mark some boundaries<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Start by:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Identifying the boundaries you need to feel respected and valued. Consider what behaviors and actions make you feel like &ldquo;my husband puts his family before me&rdquo; and where you need clear limits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Continue by:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Discussing these boundaries openly with your husband. Be specific about what needs to change and why it&rsquo;s important for the health of your relationship. Ensure that both of you agree on these boundaries and are committed to upholding them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Make your relationship non-negotiable<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Start by:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Planning regular date nights or special activities that focus solely on the two of you. This helps reinforce the importance of your relationship and creates space for intimacy and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Continue by:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Making these activities a non-negotiable part of your routine. When your husband sees that these moments are prioritized, it helps shift the dynamic and demonstrates the value of your relationship over external family pressures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Look out for couples counseling<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Start by: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suggesting professional help if the situation doesn&rsquo;t improve. Counseling can provide a neutral space to explore the underlying issues when &ldquo;my husband puts his family before me.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Continue by:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Attending sessions together and committing to the process. A counselor can offer tools and strategies to improve communication and help both partners feel heard and valued. This professional guidance can be pivotal in restoring balance in your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/intimacy\/why-you-might-want-to-give-marriage-intimacy-counselling-a-try\/\" title=\"Why You Might Want to Give Marriage Intimacy Counseling a Try\">Why You Might Want to Give Marriage Intimacy Counseling a Try<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>5. Build your support network<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Start by:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Connecting with friends, family, or support groups who understand your situation. Sharing your feelings with trusted individuals can provide emotional relief and practical advice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Continue by:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Engaging in activities and hobbies that boost your confidence and independence. Having a strong support network and personal fulfillment can help you cope better when your husband prioritizes his family. It also demonstrates that while you desire balance, you&rsquo;re capable of maintaining your own happiness and well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn about the importance of a social support system with this meditative video:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S7SdK7qnwLg?si=ONCLJTx5GEI0fHel\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strengthening-your-marriage-when-family-ties-interfere\"><\/span><b>Strengthening your marriage when family ties interfere<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know that your feelings are valid and deserving of attention. Through some proactive steps, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeking help and support further empowers you to handle this delicate situation with grace. Don&rsquo;t wait for things to improve on their own&mdash;take charge of your happiness and your marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start today by initiating an open dialogue with your husband. Express your feelings, set clear expectations, and make consistent efforts to nurture your bond.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your relationship deserves the same dedication and commitment that you show to others. Your efforts today can pave the way for a stronger future together.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You&rsquo;ve planned a special dinner to celebrate your anniversary, but at the last minute, your husband cancels because his mother needs help with something trivial. You feel hurt and sidelined, and it&rsquo;s not the first time this has happened.&nbsp; Does this sound familiar? Do you often find yourself wondering, &ldquo;Why does my husband put his family before me?&rdquo; or &ldquo;Why is my husband obsessed with his family?&rdquo; Pause and think for a moment.&nbsp; Have you caught yourself feeling like a secondary priority in your marriage, consistently overshadowed by his obligations to his parents or siblings?&nbsp; You&rsquo;re not alone. Many partners <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1393,"featured_media":103554,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2502],"tags":[2601],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103551"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1393"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=103551"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103551\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":108546,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103551\/revisions\/108546"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/103554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103551"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103551"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=103551"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}