How To Stop Your Spouse’s Bad Behavior
The short answer
One of the most effective ways to stop a spouse’s bad behavior is to write a contract that clearly identifies the unacceptable behavior and firmly establishes consequences if it occurs. It sounds simple, but many people have questions about the why, how, what, and who, and this episode walks through the details you need to write one for your marriage.
Key takeaways
- A written contract is one of the most effective ways to set a boundary around a spouse’s harmful or negative behavior.
- The contract should name the exact behavior that is unacceptable and state firm consequences if it happens.
- Writing the contract well takes some thought about the why, how, what, and who, and Dr. Joe and Jeff King cover those details in this episode.
People often ask if there is a method for establishing boundaries about negative or harmful behavior from a spouse.
Yes, there is.
One of the most effective is to write a contract that clearly identifies the unacceptable behavior and firmly establishes consequences if that behavior occurs.
As simple as that sounds, we’ve discovered that many people have a number of questions about the why’s, how’s, what’s, who’s, and more.
I’ve asked my friend and co-teacher at our workshop for marriages in crisis to join me for this important program. His name is Jeff King. He earned his doctorate at Lipscomb University. More importantly, he has years of experience helping people with marriage problems. Jeff is rather direct and goes rapidly to the bottom line. He won’t waste your time.
Join Jeff and me for this in-depth conversation that will give you the details you need to write a contract for your marriage that can have tremendous results.
Common questions
How do I set boundaries for my spouse’s harmful behavior?
Put the boundary in writing. A written contract between you leaves no question about which behavior is unacceptable and what will happen if it continues.
What should a boundary contract with my spouse include?
It should clearly name the specific behavior that is not acceptable and firmly state the consequences if that behavior happens.
Do boundary contracts work in a marriage in crisis?
A written contract is one of the most effective methods we know for dealing with negative or harmful behavior from a spouse. Dr. Joe and Jeff King, who co-teach the workshop for marriages in crisis, cover the details in this episode.