Experts say nagging can doom a relationship almost as quickly as infidelity or bad finances, the Wall Street Journal reports.
According to Scott Wetzler, a psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center, certain personality types may be more prone to nagging. For example, extremely organized or anxious people may find it difficult not to give their partner reminders.
The communication breakdown potentially may lead to divorce when couples begin to fight about nagging rather than the cause of the nagging, says Center for Marital and Family Studies Co-Director Howard Markman. Although all couples nag, Markman notes that successful couples find ways to reduce it.
To reduce nagging, experts suggest that couples:
- Recognize and admit to the nagging cycle;
- Look at situations from the other person's point of view;
- Learn to properly explain, express, and respond to requests;
- Manage expectations; and
- Establish timeframes for requests (Bernstein, Journal, 1/25).
