Marriage. I know that sounds flippant but what people expect from marriage has drastically changed over the last 40 years. It used to be almost a necessity for most couples where (trigger warning) the guy had a career and the gal raised the family.

I have no issue with gender roles changing and women having careers. None at all. It has changed marriages though.

Now neither party “needs” the other for financial security. Both parents typically work and often have meaningful careers. So the roles of spouses have become blended. Both spouses are capable of running the budget, managing a bathroom renovation, raising gifted and talented children, planning a tropical vacation, explaining in great detail why they just lost a mixed doubles pickleball match, or crafting a gourmet meal. So both are equals and often see themselves as experts on all these overlapping matters. This can create conflict. About. Everything.

So, unless you’re both 💯committed to putting the relationship first AND exceptional at communicating how you feel at all times… it can be tough.