I used to meet an acquaintance and her husband out for dinner a few years back. They were good company, bar one thing: They constantly bickered when others were around. One minute we’d all be laughing over a joke and the next she would start picking on him, or he would snap at her. It was very uncomfortable.
I can understand that it’s easy to let your guard down when you’re amongst friends, but bring your marriage problems or dirty laundry out into the open—especially during a dinner party—isn’t appropriate. Your friends will either feel like they’re playing the part of an unpaid couples counselor, or will feel embarrassed that you’re exposing yourself in this way. And just imagine what the strangers around you must think after an outburst like that.
The most civil thing to do is to put your problems behind you, and make an effort to play nice when out with others. If you want to vent to a close girlfriend, pull her away and do so privately. It’s not fair to drag others into your drama when they simply want to have a nice time. Your partner may still do things that annoy you, but it’s best to table that discussion until you’re both alone. Otherwise, everyone else will feel on edge.