Marriage comes with disagreements, misunderstandings and moments of anger, but how couples respond to these challenges can either strengthen or damage the relationship.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nyansapo Fie Show hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, guest Muhammed Hussain Acquah spoke on the topic “Effective Punishment.” Muhammed Hussain Acquah explained that effective punishment in marriage refers to a deliberate act of pain inflicted on a spouse, stressing the need to distinguish between healthy ways of addressing conflict and actions that cause emotional or physical harm.
Muhammed Hussain Acquah identified several forms of punishment that can occur in marriages, including the silent treatment, where one partner deliberately ignores the other to cause emotional pain. He explained that some people resort to silence because they fear saying hurtful things when angry. However, rather than using silence as a weapon, couples should give themselves time to calm down and then communicate when they are emotionally ready to have a constructive conversation.
Other forms of punishment include deliberately depriving a spouse of sex, humiliating or insulting them, and using finances as a means of control. Financial punishment may involve intentionally withholding money needed for household responsibilities simply to hurt or frustrate a partner. Such actions can create resentment, weaken trust and make it difficult for couples to resolve the underlying issue.
Muhammed Hussain Acquah also cautioned against physical punishment or violence, including beating or deliberately inflicting pain on a spouse. He further noted that some people, out of anger toward their partners, may take their frustration out on children or other people. Such behaviour can affect not only the person receiving the punishment but also the person inflicting it, potentially causing lasting emotional and relational consequences.
Muhammed Hussain Acquah therefore encouraged couples to prioritize communication over punishment when dealing with conflict. According to him, choosing open and respectful communication can help couples address problems, rebuild trust and create a healthier marriage.
By: Anita Arthur
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