A blog post on Book Riot suggests writers rely too much on adultery to create dramatic tension in stories featuring married or otherwise committed couples. The writer goes on to suggest 15 things couples fight over, but it’s an intentionally silly list and not that helpful for a writing prompt.
On the other hand, the writer has a point. Cheating is an easy out for a plot (and a relationship). Some other relationship conflicts that come to mind include:
- In-laws and extended families
- Pets
- Having kids
- Raising kids
- Gender roles
- Finances
- The spouses’ friends
- Finances
- Spending time together
There’s 9 off the top of my head, and I get bonus points because I’m not even married (anymore).
Rather than using cheating as your go-to, also consider existential conflicts – characters forced to choose between their lover and something equally good and important. Does your character want to quit a soul-killing job, go back to school, pursue their art or some other dream? Their spouse might have good – i.e. not entirely selfish and cruel – reasons for not wanting them to. You can create a lot of tension and misery by depriving your characters of something they love.
If cheating fits your story, make use of it, but don’t forget all the other ways marriage can be a living hell.
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