Chapter 11: Trouble Areas

Escalating and maintaining relationships were nice concepts to read about because they showed ways of building and sustaining a relationship. It is more difficult to read about de-escalating relationships, though I can understand that it is inevitable for some relationships (i.e. due to negative aspects of being underbenifited and emotional and/or sexual infidelity). According to Safran citation, there are 10 common trouble areas leading to disengagement: comm. breakdown, loss of shared goals, sexual incompatibility, infidelity, diminution of excitement, money, conflicts about children, alcohol or drug abuse, women's equality issues, and in-laws. This concept is relevant for me because I have heard of friends and relatives who experience some of these trouble areas that are jeopardizing their marriage. I would like to see marriage counseling at City Hall on how to avoid de-escalation when people go to get their marriage license. Then, at least more people have a fair chance of understanding what causes (disengagement themes) divorces and be aware that these causes could sneak up on them.