Marriage is one of life’s most fulfilling commitments. It’s a bond that offers love, companionship, and the promise of a future built together. But it also comes with challenges that test even the most devoted couples. Many of these challenges are not unique but shared by couples worldwide.
Before exploring these common marital hurdles, let’s define the foundation of this partnership.
What is Marriage?
Marriage is more than a legal contract. It is a deeply personal commitment that brings two people together to share their lives in mutual respect, love, and understanding. While it begins with vows of unity, marriage is also a dynamic relationship that grows and evolves with time.
At its best, marriage offers joy, partnership, and security. At its worst, it can feel isolating and overwhelming. The difference lies not in whether couples face problems but in how they handle them. By understanding and addressing these challenges, couples can strengthen their bonds and deepen their connection.
Here are the top 10 problems most couples encounter, backed by research, insights from relationship experts, and actionable solutions.
1. Communication Breakdowns: The Root of Many Conflicts
Communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. Yet, it is also one of the most common areas where couples struggle. Misunderstandings, unspoken expectations, and poor listening habits often create distance between partners. Research from The Gottman Institute indicates that 69% of relationship conflicts arise from unresolvable issues, making effective communication critical.
What to Watch For:
- Feeling unheard or misunderstood during conversations.
- Avoidance of meaningful discussions, especially on difficult topics.
- Arguments that escalate due to misinterpretations.
The Danger:
Communication breakdowns can lead to feelings of isolation and resentment, which, if left unchecked, can erode trust and intimacy over time.
How to Fix It:
- Active Listening: Focus fully on your partner when they speak. Avoid interrupting or formulating a response while they’re talking.
- Stay Curious: Ask open-ended questions to understand your partner’s thoughts and feelings better.
- Practice Emotional Regulation: Avoid reacting in anger or defensiveness. Instead, take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding.
“Effective communication is 20% about speaking and 80% about listening.” – Dr. John Gottman
2. Financial Stress: Navigating the Money Minefield
Financial stress is one of the most common causes of conflict in marriages and a leading factor in divorces. Disagreements about money can stem from differing financial philosophies, poor communication, or external pressures such as debt or unexpected expenses. A 2021 study by Ramsey Solutions revealed that 41% of divorced couples pointed to financial disagreements as a significant contributor to their separation. Money, while a practical matter, often carries emotional weight, influencing feelings of security, independence, and trust.
What to Watch For:
Here are some red flags that financial stress may be taking a toll on your relationship:
- Differences in Financial Styles: One partner may be a spender while the other is a saver, leading to conflicts over priorities.
- Hidden Debts or Secrets: Concealing loans, credit card debt, or unapproved purchases can damage trust.
- Financial Anxiety: Constant stress about paying bills, saving for future goals, or managing loans can strain emotional well-being.
- Imbalance in Financial Contributions: When one partner feels they are contributing disproportionately to the household, it can lead to resentment.
The Danger:
Unchecked financial stress often fosters blame, defensiveness, and feelings of inequity. These emotions can erode the trust and mutual respect that are essential for a healthy marriage. Over time, unresolved financial issues may become symbolic of deeper relational problems, such as power imbalances or poor communication.
How to Fix It:
To address financial stress effectively, couples need a combination of transparency, planning, and teamwork:
- Be Transparent:
- Sit down together and openly discuss all aspects of your finances, including incomes, debts, and expenses. Avoid hiding purchases or financial decisions, as secrecy can break trust.
- Create a Joint Budget:
- Develop a budget that reflects both partners’ priorities. Tools like Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget) can help couples track spending, manage bills, and set savings goals collaboratively.
- Include room for individual spending to maintain a sense of autonomy.
- Set Shared Goals:
- Align on long-term financial objectives, such as saving for a house, planning vacations, or investing in retirement. Having common goals can create a sense of unity and purpose.
- Break these goals into smaller, achievable milestones to celebrate progress along the way.
- Seek Professional Guidance:
- If financial disagreements persist, consider consulting a financial advisor or counselor who specializes in working with couples. They can provide impartial advice and strategies tailored to your situation.
Statistical Insight:
According to the same Ramsey Solutions study, couples who discuss their finances at least monthly are 42% more likely to describe their relationship as “very happy.” Regular financial conversations foster accountability, reduce misunderstandings, and build trust.
Final Thought:
Managing money as a team requires open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. While financial stress is inevitable in many marriages, addressing it proactively can transform it from a source of conflict into an opportunity for growth and connection. By working together, couples can create a financial foundation that supports not just their goals but also their relationship.
3. Intimacy Issues: Bridging the Emotional and Physical Gap
Why It Matters:
Intimacy is often seen as the heartbeat of a marriage. It encompasses more than physical connection it’s about emotional closeness, trust, and vulnerability. Research highlights that nearly 20% of married couples are in a “sexless marriage,” defined as having sex fewer than 10 times a year. While the frequency of physical intimacy varies between couples, the underlying emotional connection is critical. When intimacy diminishes, it often signals deeper relational issues, such as unresolved conflicts, stress, or a lack of communication.
Intimacy both emotional and physical fosters security, affection, and bonding. Without it, couples can begin to feel more like roommates than partners, leaving their relationship vulnerable to dissatisfaction and external pressures.
What to Watch For:
Signs that intimacy may be an issue in your marriage include:
- Reduced Physical Affection: A decline in sexual activity, hugs, kisses, or even casual touches like holding hands.
- Emotional Disconnection: Avoiding deep or meaningful conversations, leaving one or both partners feeling isolated.
- Feelings of Rejection: One partner expressing frustration, sadness, or feeling undesirable or neglected.
- Increased Conflict: A growing tendency to argue over unrelated topics, stemming from unmet emotional or physical needs.
The Danger:
When intimacy diminishes, it creates a vacuum in the relationship that can be filled with frustration, resentment, or even apathy. Partners may seek fulfillment outside the marriage, whether through work, hobbies, or other relationships. Emotional and physical distance often becomes a self-perpetuating cycle: lack of intimacy leads to tension, which further reduces the desire or willingness to reconnect.
How to Fix It:
Revitalizing intimacy requires conscious effort and commitment from both partners. Here’s how:
- Prioritize Connection:
- Schedule regular date nights or shared activities to create opportunities for bonding.
- Engage in activities that both partners enjoy, fostering a sense of playfulness and togetherness.
- Communicate Openly:
- Discuss your needs, desires, and expectations around intimacy without fear of judgment.
- Ask open-ended questions to understand your partner’s perspective, such as: “What makes you feel most connected to me?”
- Use “I” statements to express feelings without assigning blame (e.g., “I feel disconnected when we don’t spend time together”).
- Create a Safe Space for Vulnerability:
- Be patient with each other’s emotional or physical boundaries.
- Rebuild trust through small gestures, such as compliments, thoughtful actions, or simply being present.
- Share your fears, hopes, and aspirations to deepen emotional intimacy.
- Address Stressors Together:
- External factors like work stress, parenting duties, or health issues often impact intimacy. Work as a team to reduce these stressors, whether through better time management, delegating tasks, or seeking external support.
- Seek Professional Support:
- If intimacy issues persist, consider couples therapy or counseling. A trained therapist can help identify and address underlying conflicts or barriers, such as unresolved trauma or communication difficulties.
Statistical Insight:
According to a study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, couples who engage in regular, open communication about their physical and emotional needs report 30% higher relationship satisfaction than those who avoid such discussions.
“Intimacy is not purely physical. It is the act of connecting with someone so deeply, you feel like you can see into their soul.” – Esther Perel
4. Different Life Priorities: Aligning Dreams
Why It Matters:
As relationships evolve, individual aspirations and shared goals can drift apart. This divergence may stem from varying career ambitions, lifestyle preferences, or personal growth paths. According to Pew Research Center, 56% of married couples identify work-life balance as a significant source of stress. Misaligned priorities can create tension, making it crucial to proactively address differences.
What to Watch For:
- Conflicts over pivotal decisions, such as relocating, changing careers, or starting a family.
- A sense of being unsupported in pursuing personal growth or ambitions.
- Challenges in agreeing on shared objectives, leading to a lack of direction.
The Danger:
Misaligned priorities can leave one or both partners feeling undervalued or unsupported. Over time, this may breed frustration, resentment, and a growing emotional distance. Without intentional effort, these gaps can become harder to bridge.
How to Fix It:
- Open and Regular Communication:
Schedule regular check-ins to discuss your evolving personal and shared goals. Use these conversations to express desires, concerns, and aspirations without judgment. Clarity and honesty help maintain a sense of connection and mutual understanding. - Identify Shared Values and Goals:
Look for areas of alignment that can serve as a foundation for your journey together. Whether it’s financial planning, exploring new hobbies, or designing a lifestyle that works for both, identifying common ground creates a sense of teamwork. - Embrace Compromise:
Relationships thrive on give-and-take. Be willing to adjust or reshape individual plans to accommodate each other’s dreams. A fair compromise ensures that both partners feel heard, valued, and supported. - Celebrate Growth Together:
Recognize and celebrate milestones both individual and shared. This reinforces mutual support and keeps the relationship dynamic and rewarding. - Seek Guidance if Needed:
If conflicts persist or become overwhelming, seeking advice from a therapist or counselor can provide tools to realign priorities and improve communication.
The Key Takeaway:
Life is an ever-changing journey, and priorities may shift over time. The strength of a relationship lies in navigating these changes as a team, ensuring both partners feel respected and valued while striving toward a fulfilling shared future.
5. Parenting Disagreements: Navigating the Challenges of Raising Children
Why It Matters:
Parenting is a deeply rewarding yet inherently complex journey. Differences in values, discipline styles, or childcare priorities can quickly escalate into conflicts. According to research published in The Journal of Marriage and Family, 35% of couples identify parenting disagreements as a significant source of tension. Without resolution, these conflicts can erode marital harmony and impact the overall family dynamic.
What to Watch For:
- Frequent disagreements over discipline methods, bedtime routines, education, or extracurricular activities.
- A sense of imbalance in childcare responsibilities, leading to frustration or resentment.
- Contradicting one another’s decisions or authority in front of the children, causing confusion and undermining parental credibility.
The Danger:
Unresolved parenting conflicts often spill over into the marriage, creating a cycle of arguments, blame, and emotional distance. This not only strains the couple’s relationship but can also negatively affect the children, who may feel caught in the middle.
How to Fix It:
- Present a Unified Front:
Address and resolve parenting disagreements privately. When children see their parents as a united team, it fosters security and clarity. If necessary, schedule discussions away from the children to align your strategies. - Communicate Openly and Regularly:
Set aside time to discuss parenting challenges and goals. Share perspectives without judgment, and actively listen to understand each other’s reasoning. Open communication builds trust and reduces misunderstandings. - Divide Responsibilities Equitably:
Avoid overburdening one partner by sharing childcare and household tasks fairly. A balanced approach ensures that neither partner feels unsupported or overwhelmed. - Align Through Education:
Attend parenting workshops, join support groups, or read parenting books together. Learning as a team provides a neutral foundation for aligning on discipline, education, and nurturing approaches. - Respect Each Other’s Strengths:
Acknowledge and appreciate what each partner brings to parenting. Leveraging each other’s strengths creates a complementary dynamic that benefits the children and strengthens your partnership. - Seek Professional Guidance if Necessary:
When conflicts become persistent or unmanageable, consulting a family therapist can help mediate discussions and provide strategies to harmonize parenting styles.
The Key Takeaway:
Parenting is a shared responsibility that thrives on mutual respect, open communication, and teamwork. By working together to align your approaches, you create a nurturing environment for your children while preserving the strength of your marriage.
6. Unequal Division of Responsibilities: Balancing the Load
Why It Matters:
An imbalance in household or emotional labor can quietly erode a relationship, fostering feelings of resentment, burnout, or underappreciation. A study by the University of Michigan found that women in heterosexual marriages still shoulder 65% of household chores, highlighting a persistent inequality that can strain partnerships. Balancing responsibilities is not just about fairness but about sustaining harmony and mutual respect.
What to Watch For:
- One partner feeling consistently overwhelmed or undervalued due to the disproportionate load.
- Recurring arguments about who is doing more or not doing enough.
- A lack of recognition or appreciation for each partner’s contributions, both tangible and emotional.
The Danger:
Over time, an unequal division of responsibilities can breed resentment, emotional disconnection, and ongoing conflict. This imbalance not only impacts the relationship but may also affect overall household dynamics, creating unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
How to Fix It:
- Communicate Expectations Clearly:
Start by having an honest discussion about roles and responsibilities. Share how the current division feels and what changes could make it more balanced. Transparency ensures both partners feel heard and valued. - Divide Responsibilities Equitably:
Use tools like shared calendars, task-sharing apps, or chore charts to organize household duties. Aim for fairness rather than a strict 50/50 split, accounting for work schedules, strengths, and preferences. - Express Gratitude Regularly:
Small gestures of appreciation go a long way. Thanking your partner for their contributions—even routine ones—reinforces positivity and reduces the likelihood of feeling taken for granted. - Reassess Roles Periodically:
Life circumstances, such as job changes, health issues, or parenting demands, can shift the balance of responsibilities. Make it a habit to revisit and adjust your division of labor as needed to reflect these changes. - Work as a Team:
Approach household and emotional labor as a partnership. Frame challenges as “our problem” rather than “your problem” to foster collaboration and mutual support. - Seek Solutions for Overwhelm:
If responsibilities are too great for both partners to manage, consider outsourcing tasks where possible, such as hiring cleaners or using grocery delivery services.
The Key Takeaway:
A balanced division of responsibilities strengthens relationships by fostering mutual respect, reducing stress, and ensuring both partners feel valued. Regular communication and appreciation are the keys to maintaining equilibrium and harmony in the long term.
7. Trust Issues: Rebuilding the Foundation
Why It Matters:
Trust is the bedrock of any strong and healthy relationship. When shaken by infidelity, dishonesty, or secrecy, the entire foundation of the marriage is at risk. Rebuilding trust is not a quick fix it requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to repair emotional wounds.
What to Watch For:
- Heightened jealousy, suspicion, or insecurity in the relationship.
- A noticeable lack of openness or transparency about daily activities, finances, or communications.
- Repeated patterns of dishonesty, broken promises, or hiding information.
The Danger:
Eroded trust creates a relationship filled with doubt and emotional instability. Without intervention, it can lead to ongoing conflicts, resentment, and even the eventual breakdown of the partnership. Trust issues also affect intimacy and the sense of safety, making it harder for both partners to connect on a deeper level.
How to Fix It:
- Open and Honest Communication:
Rebuilding trust starts with transparency. Share your intentions, feelings, and actions openly, even when it’s uncomfortable. Address concerns directly and work to eliminate secrecy or miscommunication. - Take Responsibility:
If trust has been broken, the responsible party must own their actions and acknowledge the hurt caused. A sincere apology combined with consistent efforts to rebuild trust can go a long way. - Establish Clear Boundaries:
Work together to define what behaviors foster trust and security in your relationship. These could include agreements about communication, shared responsibilities, or handling sensitive situations. - Be Patient and Consistent:
Rebuilding trust is a gradual process that takes time. Demonstrating reliability through consistent actions helps rebuild confidence and strengthens the relationship over time. - Reassure Through Actions:
Words are important, but actions carry more weight. Make tangible changes to show commitment to rebuilding trust. For example, if dishonesty was an issue, focus on being transparent and forthcoming about your activities. - Seek Professional Guidance:
For significant breaches of trust, couples therapy or counseling can provide the tools and support needed to navigate complex emotions. A neutral third party can help facilitate open dialogue and develop actionable strategies.
The Key Takeaway:
Trust is hard to rebuild but essential for a lasting, healthy relationship. With open communication, consistent effort, and a willingness to grow together, it is possible to restore the foundation of trust and strengthen your bond for the future.
8. Conflict Over Extended Family: Balancing Family and Partnership
Why It Matters:
Extended family dynamics can be a source of joy and support, but they can also introduce challenges that test the strength of a marriage. Conflicts often arise when boundaries are unclear, when in-laws overstep, or when one partner feels their family is being sidelined. Balancing these relationships while maintaining harmony within the marriage is crucial for long-term stability.
What to Watch For:
- Disputes About Time Allocation: Arguments over how much time to spend with extended family, especially during holidays or special occasions, can create tension.
- Feeling Disrespected or Undermined: In-laws may unintentionally (or intentionally) criticize, interfere in decisions, or disregard the couple’s boundaries.
- One Partner Feeling Torn: When loyalty is divided, one partner may feel stuck between pleasing their family and supporting their spouse, leading to stress and resentment.
The Danger:
Unchecked conflicts with extended family can strain the marital relationship, causing resentment, frustration, and emotional distance. Without clear boundaries and mutual support, these issues can escalate, making the couple feel divided rather than united.
How to Fix It:
- Set Clear Boundaries:
- Discuss with your partner what level of involvement from extended family is comfortable for both of you.
- Communicate these boundaries respectfully to family members, emphasizing that they are meant to protect your relationship, not alienate anyone.
- For example, if unsolicited advice or unexpected visits are an issue, agree on how to address these situations as a team.
- Present a United Front:
- Support each other when family conflicts arise. Even if you don’t fully agree, show solidarity with your spouse in front of family members.
- Discuss disagreements privately to ensure family members don’t perceive divisions they can exploit.
- Foster Open Dialogue Without Blame:
- Approach discussions about extended family with empathy. Use “I” statements to express concerns without assigning blame (e.g., “I feel uncomfortable when…”).
- Actively listen to your partner’s perspective, especially if their family is involved, and work together to find solutions.
- Respect Each Partner’s Family Ties:
- Understand that family relationships are important, and neither partner should feel forced to choose between their spouse and their family.
- Make an effort to foster positive relationships with your in-laws, even if conflicts arise. Small gestures, such as showing appreciation or celebrating special occasions, can go a long way in building goodwill.
- Limit Family Influence in Major Decisions:
- While advice from family can be valuable, decisions about your marriage, finances, or parenting should ultimately rest with you and your spouse. Politely decline undue interference to maintain autonomy in your relationship.
- Seek Mediation if Necessary:
- If extended family conflicts persist despite your efforts, consider involving a neutral third party, such as a counselor or mediator, to facilitate constructive discussions.
The Key Takeaway:
Extended family can enrich your life, but they should never take precedence over your marriage. By setting boundaries, supporting each other, and fostering open communication, you can maintain healthy relationships with both your spouse and your extended family. Balancing these dynamics thoughtfully ensures your marriage remains a priority while preserving valuable family connections.
9. Lack of Personal Space: Finding the Balance Between Togetherness and Independence
Why It Matters:
Marriage is built on partnership, but a healthy relationship also requires room for individuality. Personal space is essential for personal growth, self-reflection, and maintaining mental well-being. When one or both partners feel smothered or lack time for their own interests, it can lead to frustration, resentment, and a sense of losing one’s identity within the marriage.
What to Watch For:
- Feeling Smothered: One partner may feel overwhelmed by constant togetherness, resulting in emotional strain.
- Resentment About Limited Alone Time: A lack of opportunity for personal activities or hobbies can lead to feelings of being controlled or undervalued.
- Struggles Balancing Independence and Togetherness: Difficulty finding the right mix of couple time and individual pursuits may cause tension or arguments.
The Danger:
When personal space is neglected, partners can lose their sense of self, leading to dissatisfaction in the marriage. This imbalance may cause emotional distance or spark conflicts, as one or both partners feel trapped or overly dependent on the other.
How to Fix It:
- Encourage Individual Hobbies and Interests:
- Support each other in pursuing personal passions or hobbies. This might mean attending a class, participating in a sport, or enjoying creative pursuits individually.
- Having separate interests brings fresh energy and conversations into the relationship, enriching your connection.
- Schedule Regular Time for Personal Reflection:
- Set aside time for personal activities, such as reading, meditating, exercising, or spending time with friends.
- Create a routine where personal time is a normal and respected part of your daily lives.
- Communicate Openly About the Need for Space:
- Discuss your individual needs for personal time without assigning blame. Use “I” statements to express your feelings, such as “I feel refreshed when I have time to myself.”
- Reassure your partner that wanting personal space doesn’t mean you love or value them any less it’s about maintaining balance.
- Set Boundaries Without Guilt:
- Define boundaries around work, leisure, and social time to ensure both partners have opportunities to recharge individually.
- Respect these boundaries when your partner needs space, and expect the same in return.
- Reframe Personal Space as Beneficial:
- Emphasize that individuality strengthens the relationship by fostering independence and self-confidence.
- Recognize that a partner’s happiness and fulfillment in their personal life contribute to a more satisfying and supportive marriage.
- Find the Right Balance:
- Regularly evaluate how much time you’re spending together versus apart, and adjust as needed.
- Plan activities that nurture your connection as a couple while still leaving room for individual interests.
The Key Takeaway:
Marriage thrives when partners can maintain their individuality alongside their partnership. Encouraging personal space not only strengthens each person’s sense of self but also enriches the marriage by reducing feelings of dependence or confinement. Balancing independence and togetherness allows both partners to feel fulfilled, respected, and deeply connected.
10. Unrealistic Expectations: Grounding Your Marriage in Reality
Why It Matters:
Unrealistic expectations can create a disconnect between what you imagine marriage to be and the reality of a lifelong partnership. These expectations often stem from media portrayals, cultural narratives, or personal ideals, and they can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction when they go unmet. Whether it’s about romance, finances, or roles, these idealized notions can strain the relationship and create unnecessary pressure.
What to Watch For:
- Frequent Frustration: Feeling consistently let down when your partner or marriage doesn’t meet your expectations.
- Unfair Comparisons: Comparing your relationship to others, whether it’s friends, family, or idealized portrayals in movies or social media.
- Perceived Shortcomings: Believing your partner isn’t living up to imagined standards of perfection, leading to criticism or resentment.
The Danger:
Unrealistic expectations can cause chronic dissatisfaction, making partners feel they aren’t enough or that their relationship is failing. Over time, this can erode appreciation, affection, and intimacy, creating emotional distance and ongoing tension.
How to Fix It:
- Align Expectations Through Honest Conversations:
- Discuss your hopes, dreams, and fears about marriage openly. This includes areas like finances, household responsibilities, and emotional connection.
- Identify where your expectations may be misaligned or overly idealistic, and work together to establish more realistic goals.
- Appreciate Your Partner’s Strengths:
- Shift your focus from perceived shortcomings to the qualities that make your partner unique and valuable. Gratitude for their strengths fosters positivity and reinforces your bond.
- Celebrate small wins and everyday efforts instead of only focusing on milestones or grand gestures.
- Embrace the Imperfections:
- Accept that no relationship is perfect and that challenges are part of the journey. Recognize that growth often comes from working through difficulties together.
- Replace idealized notions of marriage with a deeper appreciation for its real, messy, and rewarding nature.
- Stop Comparing Your Marriage to Others:
- Every relationship is unique, with its own dynamics, challenges, and strengths. Avoid measuring your marriage against others, especially curated portrayals on social media.
- Focus on what works for your partnership, rather than trying to emulate someone else’s relationship.
- Be Flexible and Adaptable:
- Life circumstances, like career changes or parenting, can shift the dynamic of your marriage. Be willing to adjust your expectations as you both grow and evolve.
- Stay open to new ways of nurturing your connection, even if they don’t match your original vision of marriage.
- Reframe Expectations as Opportunities:
- Use unmet expectations as a chance to deepen communication and mutual understanding.
- Instead of seeing imperfections as failures, view them as opportunities to grow closer by learning to navigate life’s challenges together.
The Key Takeaway:
Unrealistic expectations can undermine even the strongest relationships, but grounding your marriage in reality fosters resilience and deeper connection. By embracing imperfections, appreciating your partner’s strengths, and focusing on shared goals, you create a relationship built on trust, respect, and genuine love not unrealistic ideals.
Conclusion: Building a Stronger Partnership
Marriage is a journey not a destination. It requires ongoing effort, empathy, and a willingness to grow. By recognizing and addressing these common challenges, couples can turn obstacles into opportunities for deeper connection and understanding.
As Dr. Sue Johnson aptly puts it:
“A successful marriage is not the absence of conflict but the ability to repair and grow stronger through it.”
Every couple’s journey is unique, but with commitment and care, your marriage can thrive, weathering any storm life may bring.
You can also read about signs of an unhappily married man to fully understand the relationship dynamics
Sources Of Information.
- The Gottman Institute
- Ramsey Solutions: Money, Marriage, and Communication
- Psychology Today: Solving Constant Conflicts in Relationships
- Investopedia: Top 6 Marriage-Killing Money Issues
- The Sun: Seven Relationship Myths Experts Want You to Ignore
- Brides: How to Split Household Bills After Marriage
- The Gottman Institute: Debunking 12 Myths About Relationships
- Couples Therapy Inc.: Decoding ‘Perpetual Problems’