
Dr. Dan Allender, a marriage and family counseling psychologist, says that in his experience, 90% of couples he sees can trace their marital discord back to a failure to leave the influence of their parents, or a failure to cut the apron strings. Although adult children may think they are independent of mom and dad, their partner may see that they are still depending on their parents in one or more of three ways: in decision making, emotionally, and as a referee in conflict. A marriage only works when it is between two people, no strings attached. There are some things you can do to help yourself and your spouse cut the apron strings and still remain in a respectful and loving relationship with both sets of parents.
"Cutting the Apron Strings" »