The invisible third party: Is your family killing your marriage?

The invisible third party: Is your family killing your marriage? (Photo: iStock)

The role and title of being the reliable one in the family brings joy to some, forgetting that being too available to your parents and siblings can carry a hidden cost, especially if you're married.

When you're the self-proclaimed problem solver of the family, you will unintentionally put your spouse on the sidelines. That dynamic creates a slow-growing resentment because the emotional energy you should be putting into your marriage is directed towards managing other people's crises.