Marriage Sabotaged Marriage 3

Question 1

Which pattern describes a spouse who acts loving in public but is cold and dismissive at home?

Accepted Answer

Jekyll-and-Hyde behavior

Answer

Jekyll-and-Hyde behavior involves performing a warm persona for outsiders while reserving emotional distance or cruelty for the partner at home.

Question 2

In the context of a sabotaged marriage, what is 'stonewalling'?

Accepted Answer

Completely shutting down and refusing to engage during conflict

Answer

Stonewalling is when one partner withdraws entirely from communication, leaving conflicts unresolved and the other partner feeling dismissed.

Question 3

A partner routinely dismisses the other's feelings by saying 'you're too sensitive.' This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Invalidation

Answer

Dismissing a partner's emotional responses as overreactions is a form of emotional invalidation that erodes trust and connection.

Question 4

Which financial behavior can constitute marriage sabotage?

Accepted Answer

Secretly accumulating debt or hiding assets from a spouse

Answer

Financial deception — hiding debt, secret spending, or concealing assets — is a serious betrayal that destabilizes marital trust and security.

Question 5

What is the 'silent treatment' most likely to communicate to the receiving partner?

Accepted Answer

Punishment and emotional withdrawal designed to cause distress

Answer

When used manipulatively, the silent treatment is a punishment tactic that communicates rejection and creates anxiety in the recipient.

Marriage Practice Test