The number of empty-shell marriages is unknown-it may be as high as the number of happily married couples. The atmosphere in empty-shell marriages is without much fun or laughter. Members do not share and discuss their problems or experiences with each other. Communication is kept to a minimum. Children in such families are usually starved for love and reluctant to have friends over as they are embarrassed about having their friends see their parents interacting. The couples in these marriages engage in few activities together and display no pleasure in being in one another’s company. The members are highly aware of each other’s weaknesses and sensitive areas, and they manage to frequently mention these areas in order to hurt one another.
