The “For Worse” Season of Marriage

Every marriage experiences highs and lows. That’s why the vow says “for better or for worse.” While the good seasons are easy to embrace, it’s the “worse” seasons that test the strength of a relationship. Whether it's financial hardship, health issues, job stress, grief, or bad decisions, these seasons can leave couples feeling disconnected, discouraged, and unsure of what to do next.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but it’s also possible to find your way back to each other.

Here are five practical things you can do when you feel stuck in a hard season of marriage:

1. Keep the lines of communication open

Silence breeds distance. Reconnection begins with honest, consistent conversation.

Try this:

• Set aside 15–20 minutes daily to check in without distractions.

• Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s something that’s been on your mind lately?”

• Share how you’re really feeling, even if it’s messy.

2. Be the change you want to see

Waiting for your spouse to take the first step can keep you stuck. Choosing to lead with love often invites the same in return.

Try this:

• Initiate small acts of connection, like sending a thoughtful text or planning a simple date.

• Model the tone and behavior you’d like to see in your spouse.

• Focus on giving, not keeping score.

3. Shift your focus with intentional support

When disappointment sets in, it’s easy to dwell on what’s wrong. Choosing to support your partner instead helps rebuild emotional connection.

Try this:

• Practice gratitude by writing down three things you appreciate about your spouse each day.

• When frustrated, pause before reacting and ask yourself, “What might they be struggling with right now?”

• Pray and use that time to reflect on your spouse’s needs and your desire to grow closer.

4. Create time for each other

Disconnection often happens when quality time disappears. Rebuilding connection starts with shared experiences.

Try this:

• Schedule one-on-one time, even if it’s just a walk around the block or a 20-minute coffee break.

• Revisit something you used to enjoy together, like a hobby, TV show, or weekly tradition.

• Set phone-free zones or times to be fully present.

5. Be patient—with them and with yourself

Healing takes time. The same effort and consistency that built your relationship in the beginning can also help rebuild it now.

Try this:

• Set realistic expectations and celebrate small wins.

• Remind yourself that progress may not be linear.

• Keep showing up, even when it feels hard.

Seasons change. What feels heavy now won’t last forever, but how you walk through it together matters. By choosing to reconnect, support each other, and keep showing up with love and patience, you give your marriage the chance not just to survive, but to grow even stronger.

If you feel lost or unsure of what your next step should be, you’re not alone. Our free relationship assessment quiz can help point you in the right direction and identify where you need the most care. It’s a small first step toward rebuilding something stronger, together.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep choosing each other.