#unmetexpectations

This post is for you if you are feeling trapped in a marriage. This post is in response to the series of email messages I got from my readers. Welcome here!  In this post, you will learn What to do when you feel trapped in a marriage and what are the signs of an unhappy marriage. Let's dive in.

What Does Trapped In A Marriage Mean?

  Feeling trapped in a marriage can be described as an experience of a sense of confinement or entrapment within the confines of your marital relationship. This type of feeling can arise due to many reasons including communication breakdown, no emotional connection, unmet expectations, or abusive attitudes from either of you. To put it simply, feeling trapped in a marriage is when an individual feels stuck or not able to leave the marriage even when they desire to leave. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, more than 50 %of marriages in the United States end in divorce. This statistic proved the preponderance of marital displeasure and the challenges many couples face in maintaining a healthy marriage For example, someone might feel trapped in their marriage if they constantly argue with their partner, feel neglected or unappreciated, or if they realize they have grown apart over time. Feeling trapped can lead to depression, emotional distress, and a sense of hopelessness about the future of your relationship.

Signs Of Feeling Trapped In A Marriage:

Constant fights marked by unresolved disagreements and arguments can create a pervasive sense of entrapment in a marriage. When you find yourself always facing contentious issues without resolutions, it can lead to feelings of frustration, resentment, and lack of emotional safety in a marriage. This cycle of conflicts when not taken care of,  can further erode intimacy, and trust and make it challenging for both you and your partner to feel heard, valued, and understood. Finding time to address these patterns of interaction is important when you want to create a fulfilling relationship.   Resentment And Bitterness: Bitterness and resentment, when it is harbored towards one of the spouses, can gradually corrupt the foundation of a marriage and create an environment of discord and discontent. Emotions like this, become so toxic and poison the trust and intimacy that is necessary for a healthy relationship. Meanwhile, as resentment builds up, it kills communication to create a chasm between you and your partner. Consequently, instead of fostering growth and mutual support, the marriage becomes a suffocating space, where individuals feel emotionally stifled and disconnected. Ultimately, this cycle of negativity can culminate in a sense of entrapment, where the once-promising union feels like a prison, devoid of the love and understanding that once bound the couple together. You Seek Emotional Support And Connection Outside: If you are seeking emotional support outside your marriage, whether through familial bonds, friendships, or extramarital affairs; it may be a sign of feeling trapped in a marriage. When you feel emotionally unfulfilled or suppressed in your marriage and seek solace and understanding from outside, that's a sign also. This can manifest as a longing for connection with friends, family, or anybody outside your marriage for empathy or support. In some extreme cases, this may result in seeking intimacy and companionship outside your home. These actions reflect a desire for liberation from the challenges of your relationship or a longing for emotional resonance which your marriage didn't give you. Thinking About Escape: Feeling trapped in a marriage can make you frequently dream or desire to escape from your relationship. This thought may come in life without your spouse or free from the challenges of your marriage. It is common to feel overwhelmed or suffocated when there is no escape for you. These fantasies could serve as solace, just to provide temporary relief from feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction for you. However, it is important to address these emotions and communicate openly with your spouse to find a solution to your resolution. You Are Experiencing A Loss Of Independence: Feeling a loss of Independence in a relationship can be too disheartening, as it can destroy your sense of self and autonomy. When your partner constantly makes decisions without your input, it can make you feel trapped or suffocated within your marriage. The totality of these can diminish your ability to express your needs which leads to a sense of hopelessness. Over time, this imbalance will destroy your marital bond. It will also make it crucial that both of you address and communicate openly about your concerns regarding decision-making and autonomy. Resentment And Bitterness: Resentment and bitterness within your relationship can create a toxic atmosphere. If not checked on time, it can also permeate every aspect of your relationship. Emotions like these can stem from unresolved conflicts, unmet expectations, or feelings of betrayal. Holding onto these negative sentiments can erode communication, intimacy, and trust gradually in your marriage. Moreover, having resentment may be a red flag of a deeper sense of feeling trapped in a marriage or unfulfilled. To deal with this issue, you and your partner must resolve to open and constructive addressing of your challenges. Other Health Challenges: When you are experiencing anxiety and stress due to feeling trapped in a marriage, you may find a variety of other physical symptoms too. These symptoms often include gastrointestinal discomfort, like stomach pains or nausea, headaches, or difficulty in sleeping, leading to insomnia. Moreover, heightened stress levels can increase your existing health conditions, weaken your immune system, and make you more susceptible to illnesses. Recognizing these clear signs of stress on time is crucial for carrying out effective coping strategies and support to deal with the underlying psychological distress. Feeling Trapped And Unloved: Having a persistent sense of being unappreciated or unloved in your marriage even after expressing your needs and desires is a sign of feeling trapped in a relationship. Despite all attempts to foster connection and understanding, the absence of reciprocated affection or appreciation can create a profound sense of discontentment and isolation. This emotional isolation may foster a sensation of entrapment, where one of you can feel confined by the relationship dynamics; longing for affection, acknowledgment, and validation. These will eventually exacerbate the feeling of being trapped. You Are Feeling Stuck: Feeling stuck is another big sign you are feeling trapped in your marriage. Feeling stuck can manifest as a profound sense of stagnation,  where all your attempts to move on feel thwarted. This is a suffocating feeling as if all the walls are closing in, and the future looks bleak to you. This may affect the growth of your relationship and leave you and your partner feeling unfulfilled and isolated. The worst of it all is that each day will become a monotonous routine,  without passion or excitement. The desire for change will intensify,  yet the fear of the unknown will paralyze your action. This state of inertia can result in resentment because unmet needs and aspirations fester beneath the surface. To break free from this cycle, you have to be courageous, introspective, and open communication.

What To Do When You Feel Trapped In A Marriage:

1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” We like to think the best of ourselves. Often, to our detriment, we overlook those flaws in our character, weaknesses we possess, or…