Pitfalls of Remarriages
Most would agree, it is better to be forewarned than to face another divorce. That is why this section examines several common pitfalls affecting second (or third, or fourth) marriages. These factors can plague even those who thought they'd mastered the issues involved, and were aware of the possibility of their rude arrival to disrupt the marriage. These issues can be handled if you openly acknowledge what's not working and try different approaches until you find one that works. Here are some of the common pitfalls of remarriage:
Unrealistic expectations (for example, that your “prince” will make everything all right)
Children taking over the marriage relationship, especially in blended families
The reappearance of the same negative dynamics that dogged previous marriages Former spouses who linger and make demands, crowding your new marriage
Toxic (ex) in-laws who indulge in a blame game left over from a former marriage
Inability to invest emotionally in new marital relationship because you're still holding on to the last marriage
Each of these pitfalls relates to the basic problems that impact every marriage — sex, children, money, and self — but with the added complexities remarriage brings. There is by definition more emotional baggage in each new remarriage, and the very real fear that you and your partner might repeat the past and face another divorce.
