Communication is the bedrock of relationships. But when two people with different backgrounds, perspectives and concerns get together, there are many things that can go wrong along the way.

If you wait for a quiet period when romantic behavior can surface and there is energy for prolonged lovemaking, you will only get to have sex a couple of times a year when you get away without the children!Sexual and emotional intimacies are inextricably linked.  A marriage that loses its passion becomes merely a good friendship and ceases to be a true marriage – which ultimately even ruins the friendship.

No matter how much the economy ebbs and flows, one thing remains constant: Couples fight about money.   It's no great mystery why money issues are often cited as one of the top reasons for divorce in the U.S.: Talking about money is never just talking about money. Most couples -- whether married, engaged, or cohabitating -- cop to having an occasional tiff about family finances. Even in the best of times, money can be a conversational time bomb in relationships

Just like a football team has specific positions, and businesses have a certain chain of command, a marriage must have clearly defined responsibilities where both parties know, accept and fulfill their varying but complimentary roles. This is essential to unity.  If there are disagreements or role descriptions are ambiguous, then blaming, conflict, resentment, and confusion will be the result.

Ambiguity in division of household responsibilities between working couples often results in ongoing negotiations, resentment, and tension and conflict is more prevalent when couples do not worked out a clear division of labor in the home and learn to negotiate responsibilities from one day to the next.