Marriage has long been a perplexing paradox. Why does a relationship so greatly desired become, for many, a source of distress? Endangered Spouses takes a unique approach by analyzing an age-old legacy that perpetuates an environment of marital strife. Folkstories about marriage reveal the grief as well as the occasional joy of married life. Presenting in detail the dynamics of spouse interactions, they offer insights into centuries-old conflicts and hostilities. Old scenes show striking similarities to many of today's relationships. We can observe in stories both marital problems as well as secrets of wholesome, happy households. The book provides searching comparisons between domestic family relations. The results should help sharpen our ability to understand and improve today's society. Topics include the current limited roles of marriage partners, the nature of conflict, cultural differences in marital struggles, violence in domestic disputes, the real versus the ideal in love and in marriage, and a look to the future.