

{"id":62989,"date":"2021-02-12T10:31:46","date_gmt":"2021-02-12T10:31:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=62989"},"modified":"2023-02-22T08:22:52","modified_gmt":"2023-02-22T08:22:52","slug":"avoid-negativity-in-marriage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/avoid-negativity-in-marriage\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips to Avoid Negativity in Marriage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-62992\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/tips-to-avoid-negativity-in-marriage.jpg\" alt=\"Thoughtful Young Woman Doubt Relations Ponder About Breakup, Distrust, Cheating Concept\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people would agree that<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> negativity in marriage<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is harmful. It can lead to hurt feelings, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/reduce-the-emotional-distance-in-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emotional distance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and even the breakup of the relationship. Learning how to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stop being negative all the time <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can improve the health of your marriage, and it may even save it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-a-negative-relationship\"><\/span>What is a negative relationship?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A negative relationship or <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negativity in marriage<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be described as a tendency to criticize, whine, and attack your partner. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constant negativity in a relationship<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also involve general discontentment, pessimism, and a need for perfection from your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negativity in marriage<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also look like constantly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/how-often-do-couples-fight\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fighting with your spouse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or frequently complaining.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another answer to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what is a negative relationship<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that it is a tendency to always nag your partner and bring negative energy into the relationship, instead of allowing positivity to flow into the marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is-negativity-hurting-your-marriage\"><\/span>Is negativity hurting your marriage?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are dealing with <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negativity in marriage,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> there are chances that the negativity is hurting the marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.extension.purdue.edu\/extmedia\/cfs\/cfs-744-w.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationship experts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have warned that for every negative interaction in a relationship, you need five positives in order to counteract it. If most of your interactions are negative with little positivity, this is understandably damaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationship expert and researcher John Gottman has even concluded that when partners are usually negative toward each other, even a positive interaction between the two of them isn&rsquo;t perceived as pleasant, because negativity in marriage can begin to override positive interactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What this means is that over time, with repeated negativity, partners begin to interpret the entire marriage as negative. This is disastrous for the health of the marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research supports just how important it is to<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> keep negative energy away<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from a marriage. In fact, a 2017 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fdev0000379\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developmental Psychology <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">found that the tension that results from <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negativity in marriage <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can lead to divorce, especially among wives who perceive a high level of tension in the marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When there is tension from <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constant negativity in a relationship, <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it can certainly hurt a marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you find that you and your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">partner are constantly critical of each other<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and tend to attack each other instead of interacting positively, you may be a victim of<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> negativity in marriage.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are-you-naturally-negative\"><\/span>Are you naturally negative?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-62993\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/are-you-naturally-negative.jpg\" alt=\"Pondering Couple Uncertain About Each Other Looking Suspiciously Suspecting Isolated Over Vibrant Shiny Color Background\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, some people may be naturally negative. Perhaps they witnessed this behavior growing up and learned to be negative themselves. In other cases, negativity can become a habit. Here are some signs that you might be naturally negative:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You tend to be perfectionistic, and if something is not perfect, you criticize it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are critical of others and tend to view events from a negative vantage point.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your partner or children ask you for something, your default response is usually no rather than yes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the time, you are in a bad mood.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You spend a lot of time dwelling on bad events or painful memories, rather than moving forward and focusing on the positive.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If some or all of these statements describe you, it is likely that you tend to be innately negative.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This could be harmful to your relationship. On the other hand, perhaps your spouse or significant other shows some of these signs. Either way, these behaviors are linked to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negativity in marriage<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and can be rather damaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Convert-negative-thinking-to-positive-thinking\"><\/span>Convert negative thinking to positive thinking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you find that you are naturally negative, you are probably wondering <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to stop being negative in a relationship. <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can achieve this and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/power-of-positivity-in-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be more<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> positive in a relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by reframing your thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try some of the following to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stop being negative all the time<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Practice gratitude<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take time each day to make a list, whether mentally or on paper, of at least three things you are grateful for that day.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Engage in activities that make you happy<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/ways-to-have-a-quality-time-with-your-partner\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spend time together<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by finding a common interest or hobby. This will build trust and add to the list to quality time between you two.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Try to correct negative self-talk<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, when people are highly critical of themselves, they become critical and negative toward others.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Practice opening your mind to new thoughts or perspectives<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be patient and be open to new ideas or suggestions your partner suggests regarding any matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Use words of affirmation with your spouse<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When he or she does something helpful or achieves something meaningful at work, be sure to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jw.org\/en\/library\/magazines\/awake-no1-2017-february\/how-to-show-appreciation\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">express appreciation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or offer praise.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Spend time with positive people<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are around others who tend to be positive, you can learn to be more positive yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Make forgiveness a habit<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of being quick to complain or criticize when your partner makes a mistake, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/forgiveness\/how-to-practice-forgiveness-in-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">make an effort to be forgiving<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and recognize that no one is perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Practice healthy habits<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you engage in regular exercise, follow a healthy diet, and get plenty of sleep, you may find that you are more equipped to<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> avoid negativity.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Seek professional intervention<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you find that you cannot c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hange your attitude in a relationship<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> despite making efforts to be less negative, it may be time to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/forgiveness\/how-to-practice-forgiveness-in-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seek professional help<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from a counselor or therapist to learn strategies for overcoming negativity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe you are dealing with some unresolved psychological issues or are not coping well with stressors, and a licensed mental health professional can help you to uncover and find healthier ways of managing these issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may even find that your own insecurities are leading you to be critical and negative toward your spouse, and a therapist can help you to see yourself more positively, which in turn will benefit your marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-do-you-stay-positive-in-a-negative-relationship\"><\/span>How do you stay positive in a negative relationship?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are struggling because your wife is <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">always angry and negative, <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or you cannot help but think, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;my husband is always negative,&rdquo; <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">there are things you can do to stay positive and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">keep negative energy away<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from you. Consider the following strategies:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surround yourself with positive people, so you are not brought down by <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negativity in marriage.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try to remain calm and avoid overreacting when your partner is negative or critical.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not view your partner&rsquo;s negativity as a personal attack; remember that someone who is constantly negative may be doing so out of habit, learned behavior, or because they are dealing with their own insecurities or psychological issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reach out to your spouse and invite them to do a fun activity or engage in something enjoyable, such as a walk together after dinner, once per week to try to build a positive connection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your partner accomplishes something, be sure to acknowledge it. By modeling positivity in this way, you may also encourage your partner to be more positive. Compliments can also help your partner to overcome insecurities that may be leading them to be negative.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you find that you are struggling with unpleasant emotions as a result of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negativity in marriage<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you may benefit from seeking counseling to help you cope.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negativity in marriage <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can be damaging, and it can be difficult to be on the receiving end of it, remember that you cannot control your partner or change their behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be hard not to take your spouse&rsquo;s negativity personally, but you can stay positive by taking care of your own needs and doing things that make you happy. Hopefully, your partner will learn ways to be less negative, but you are only responsible for your own behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, reacting in a nonchalant manner to your partner&rsquo;s negativity may even be helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, if your partner is criticizing you or blaming you for something that is not your fault, there is no need to defend yourself or accept the blame. Simply move along, and don&rsquo;t let it affect you. Your partner may change their tune when they realize that negativity doesn&rsquo;t get a reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is also helpful to remember that your positive energy can counteract your partner&rsquo;s negativity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognize your own strengths and values, and cultivate your own positivity. This puts you in a better position to cope with your partner&rsquo;s criticism and to help your partner deal with whatever is going on with them that is leading to such negativity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-ways-to-keep-negativity-out-of-your-marriage\"><\/span>10 ways to keep negativity out of your marriage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-62994\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ways-to-keep-negativity-out-of-your-marriage.jpg\" alt=\"Front View Portrait Of An Angry Couple Walking In The Street After Argument\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negativity in relationships<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is certainly harmful, there are ways to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">keep negative energy away<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as well as ways of<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> how to stop being negative in a relationship.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are ten ways to keep negativity out of your marriage:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Counteract negative interactions with positive ones<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, marriage experts argue that a couple needs five positive interactions to overcome negative exchanges. When you find yourself being negative or critical toward your partner, be careful to follow this negativity with plenty of positivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Have open communication with your partner<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allow your partner to express when they feel hurt by your behavior, and be willing to talk to your partner when they have been overly critical or hypersensitive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Make time for fun together<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marriage can be difficult, but when you spend time <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/couple-bonding-activities-to-strengthen-the-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doing enjoyable activities together<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you strengthen your connection and make room for more positivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Accept your partner&rsquo;s imperfections<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one is perfect. We all have flaws, and there are things about us that annoy our partner, and visa-versa. Avoid the urge to nit pick your partner&rsquo;s flaws, as this only invites negativity into the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Take time to let your partner know you appreciate them<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a prime example of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to not be negative. <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone wants to feel valued, and when you take time to praise your partner or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/10-ways-to-show-gratitude-to-your-spouse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">express gratitude<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for what they do for you, they will be likely to reciprocate, leading to being more <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">positive in a relationship.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Let go of grudges<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">detect negative energy in a person<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when they are constantly bringing up past wrongdoings. Keep negativity in marriage at bay by letting go of grudges. When you forgive your partner for a mistake, don&rsquo;t bring it up repeatedly or throw it in their face during a future argument.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Don&rsquo;t make any room for jealousy in your relationship<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you find yourself <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/jealousy-in-relationships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feeling jealous<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> toward your partner, you are opening the door to negativity. If you are jealous of your partner or feel the need to compete, you may find yourself wanting to bring them down in order to feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of being jealous, practice being happy for your partner when they accomplish something.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the short video below, Matthew Hussey says jealousy arises out of comparison. He further explains tips to overcome jealousy and remain positive.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-Wq9eQialmU\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Stop comparing your marriage to other people&rsquo;s relationships<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each relationship is unique, and if you are constantly comparing your partner to someone else or reminding your partner of how they fall short, you are asking for negativity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appreciate your partner for their strengths, and remember that in some ways, other couples may compare themselves to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Appreciate the value of humor<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laughing together is a great way to counteract <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negativity in relationships. <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take time to tell jokes or see the humor in everyday life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Make an effort to be kind to your partner<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice compassion when they are struggling or have made a mistake, and be careful to use kind words, rather than being critical. It may sound cliche, but when you treat your partner with the kindness that you also want to receive, you will likely get kindness in return.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a great way to avoid negativity and its consequences for a marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negativity in marriage is damaging. It involves frequent criticism, pessimism, and conflict between spouses. Over time, negativity can take such a hold that it seems as if the entire marriage is negative. This level of tension can lead to unhappiness and eventually divorce.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, there are ways of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to deal with negativity in marriage. <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you find that you are the one who is always negative toward your spouse, you can reframe your thinking by giving affirmations to your partner, correcting negative self-talk, and practicing gratitude.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are on the receiving end of your partner&rsquo;s negativity, there are ways of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to stay positive in a negative environment<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as surrounding yourself with positive people and trying to invite your partner to do something fun together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, marriages are strongest when you<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> keep negative energy away<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and practice kindness with your partner, but if you find that negativity is damaging your marriage despite your efforts to cope with it, you and your spouse may benefit from working with a relationship therapist to learn <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to deal with negativity.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most people would agree that negativity in marriage is harmful. It can lead to hurt feelings, emotional distance, and even the breakup of the relationship. Learning how to stop being negative all the time can improve the health of your marriage, and it may even save it. What is a negative relationship? A negative relationship or negativity in marriage can be described as a tendency to criticize, whine, and attack your partner. Constant negativity in a relationship may also involve general discontentment, pessimism, and a need for perfection from your partner. Negativity in marriage may also look like constantly fighting <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1262,"featured_media":62992,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2502],"tags":[2603],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62989"}],"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\/1262"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62989"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62989\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63386,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62989\/revisions\/63386"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62989"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62989"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62989"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}