In Kerby Anderson's article Why Marriages Fail he writes, "Invalidation is a pattern in which one partner subtly or directly puts down the thoughts, feelings, or character of the other."

What other examples can you give of subtle invalidation?

 
 
I decided to answer your question because it's helpful to have a woman's perspective in addition to a man's (as what you read in Kerby's excellent essay). Here's what I came up with:

Rolling the eyes at something a spouse says

Ignoring the spouse when they're talking

A dismissing or contemptuous tone of voice in saying things like "I don't think so" or "You're wrong" or "Like you would know anything about that!" (Note: those very words can be used in affectionate banter when said with a smile and in the context of a spouse's strengths.)

Any form of sarcasm

Making plans without consulting the spouse (which would affect the spouse)

Ridiculing a spouse's dreams and hopes, even in jest

Continually rejecting a spouse's romantic or sexual overtures

Choosing to spend time chatting with internet friends (especially of the opposite sex) over being with one's spouse

Not acknowledging the heart issues behind the words that a spouse shares

Not looking at a spouse when they're talking

Being critical of or ridiculing a spouse in public, even in jest

In a dispute or disagreement that involves the children, ganging up with them against the spouse

Saying things to one's kids like "Oh, your mother is just being wierd (stupid, illogical, emotional, etc.) again" or "Don't listen to your father, he doesn't know what he's talking about"

 

Does this help?

Sue Bohlin
Probe Ministries

About the Author

Sue Bohlin is an associate speaker with Probe Ministries. She attended the University of Illinois, and has been a Bible teacher and conference speaker for over 30 years. She serves as a Mentor Mom and speaker for MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), and on the board and as a small group leader of Living Hope Ministries, a Christ-centered outreach to those dealing with unwanted homosexuality. Sue is on the Bible.org Women leadership team and is a regular contributor to TheTapestryBlog.com. She is also a professional calligrapher and the webmistress for Probe Ministries; but most importantly, she is the wife of Dr. Ray Bohlin and the mother of their two grown sons.

What is Probe?

Probe Ministries is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to assist the church in renewing the minds of believers with a Christian worldview and to equip the church to engage the world for Christ. Probe fulfills this mission through our Mind Games conferences for youth and adults, our 3-minute daily radio program, and our extensive Web site at www.probe.org.

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