Many of these challenges listed are successfully navigated by most couples. Still, the piling on of difficulties, and the unique approach of individuals can turn a mild obstacle into a full-blown crisis. Good counsel would help quite often.
235. Some crises are typical of almost every marriage. Newly married couples need to learn how to accept their differences and to disengage from their parents. The arrival of a child presents new emotional challenges. Raising small children necessitates a change of lifestyle, while the onset of adolescence causes strain, frustration and even tension between parents. An “empty nest” obliges a couple to redefine their relationship, while the need to care for aging parents involves making difficult decisions in their regard. All these are demanding situations that can cause apprehension, feelings of guilt, depression and fatigue, with serious repercussions on a marriage.
For your reference, remember that Amoris Laetitia is online here.
Catholic Sensibility 