5 Keys to Resolving Marital Loneliness in Islam
Many
spouses suffer from feelings of loneliness despite living together. They may be
overtaken by “marital silence,” also known as silent divorce, resulting in
emotional isolation and a sense of detachment between husband and wife.
There are
several signs of this kind of loneliness,
including a decline in marital intimacy, lack of desire for conversation,
ignoring each other’s words, finding excuses to avoid interaction, staying late
at work, or seeking friends as an escape from the atmosphere of isolation and
withdrawal.
Some spouses
may resort to withdrawing themselves, spending long hours in silence, sitting
alone at home with no desire to initiate a conversation. Eventually, the
household turns into a space of constant arguments or long, heavy silence, resembling
the atmosphere of a hotel stay, limited only to sleeping, eating, and drinking.
The Role of Social Media in Marital Loneliness
Family
relationship experts observe several causes behind marital loneliness. These include excessive engagement
with social media,
addiction to mobile apps, overwhelming life pressures, financial challenges,
and each partner being consumed by a daily schedule overloaded with
responsibilities.
Some
individuals remain affected by past events, unable to break free from them,
becoming prisoners of previous conflicts and crises. This negatively impacts
their current relationships. Add to that a lack of mutual trust between
spouses, or an atmosphere that becomes tense at every discussion, according to Psychology
Today.
Other
causes of loneliness include the spread of stubbornness and competitiveness within
the family, frequent arguments, and emotional rifts between spouses, especially
if one partner goes through a difficult situation. For example: if the husband
loses his job and feels his wife does not support him, he will feel lonely; and
if the wife falls ill and feels her husband is not by her side, she will
experience the same emotions.
Unrealistic
expectations from both sides also increase the likelihood of loneliness and
disappointment. This becomes worse with constant comparisons to
seemingly perfect relationships on social media, creating the feeling that
others live better lives, leading one or both spouses to dissatisfaction with
their own.
A Healing Prescription for Couples
To
overcome this situation, Al-Mujtama presents a set of helpful tips for every husband and wife:
1. Recognize the Blessings of Allah
Remember the blessings Allah has Granted you, and that you are better than many
others. Realize that your spouse is a blessing Allah Gifted you, and that your
marriage is one of the signs of Allah, wrapped
in affection, mercy, and tranquility.
2. Avoid Blame and Reproach
Stay away from criticism and accusations and reactivate channels of
communication instead. Discuss the problem with your spouse and express what
you feel, making it clear that you need support in overcoming these negative
emotions.
3. Engage in Daily Activities Together
Begin an actual daily activity: pray two voluntary rak`ahs, take a short trip,
go for a walk, watch something meaningful together, or have dinner outside.
These small actions can restore warmth and marital happiness.
4. Exchange Gifts
Offer small, meaningful gifts, or give a card with words of appreciation to
show your spouse you care, to overcome emotional distance.
5. Limit Phone and Social Media Use
Reduce excessive smartphone and social media usage,
as it increases feelings of isolation and loneliness. Frequent browsing of your
accounts may also provoke jealousy or doubt in your spouse, according to a
study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Also Read:
- Marital Relationship: Duties and Rights
- 4 Steps to Prevent Marital Conflicts from Escalating
- Resolving Marital Disputes Through Constructive Dialogue
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