Divorce is not a subject many want to realize or have to deal with, but sadly, it is very common. In fact, around 41% of all marriages in the United States end in divorce, which is of course a sad fact. (Image Credits: Cottonbro/Pexels)
But what if you’re unsure whether your partner or yourself are heading towards thinking about divorce? Below, we have compiled some of the most common signs that divorce could be on the horizon of your relationship. Please read on to find out more!
You Feel Unhappy
Probably the most glaringly obvious point to note: your own personal happiness. As this case study shows, many people try to force happiness or love within a relationship, hiding the fact that deep down, they are not happy. If you know in yourself that you are not happy, it is time to consider your next move. What is making you unhappy? Can it be fixed with counseling or other changes in the relationship? Or, do you need to find yourself a divorce lawyer? You should open up to your partner and see if they feel the same. You may find that they have noticed your unhappiness already.
Communication Has Broken Down
If you find long periods are passing without having proper conversations with your partner, that could be a very bad sign. If you have stopped having meaningful conversations or stopped communicating at all, it is time to figure out why. One or both of you is holding back from opening up and communicating. You need to address why this is happening and decide what to do next.
Too Many Arguments?
On the flip side, you may be communicating a lot, but constantly in a state of argument or anger towards each other. If this is the case, it is a clear cut sign that something is wrong. You are both upsetting each other regularly, or even all the time. According to research, you should have 20:1 communication for a happy marriage. Meaning 20 positive conversations for every 1 argument. If you find this ratio is slipping in the opposite direction it could be a sign of very rocky roads ahead.
Sudden Changes
Have you noticed any sudden changes in your relationship? Commonly seen changes would be changes in attitude, changes in behavior, or changes in emotional connections. If your partner has suddenly changed their attitude to a large level, it is certainly a bad sign. By this we mean they are suddenly aggressive or confrontational towards you and you cannot find a reason why. (Image Credit: Vera Arsic/Pexels)
This is the same as a sudden change in behavior. You notice your other half is suddenly not talking to you very much or seemingly doesn’t enjoy your company. These changes can certainly hurt! If you notice any of these abrupt changes in yourself or your partner it is definitely time to open up a conversation about why.
Time Apart
If you find yourself deliberately spending more time apart, you need to stop and ask yourself why. Time apart is healthy in a relationship, of course. You can’t spend 24 hours together, 365 days a year! But if you are finding yourself longing for more time apart, you probably have a problem that needs addressing. For example, you may be regularly choosing to see your friends every night instead of going home to your partner. If you notice they are spending a lot of time without you, or vice versa, find out why! (Image Credit: Vera Arsic/P
You Act Like Friends
If you have been married a long time, it’s easy to lose passion and fall into the trap of just acting like friends, instead of lovers. If you’re no longer having much physical contact and instead just living like roommates, you may have a problem. This is not necessarily a problem you can’t fix, but you need to fix it as soon as you notice! Of course, you are friends! But, to have a successful marriage, you have to maintain being more than friends.
Your Friends Notice
Have any of your friends been regularly asking how your relationship is? Or maybe your friends are offering advice about you ending the relationship. If your friends are asking these things or noticing a change in your marriage, it could be a very bad sign. Of course, they may be wrong, as only you know how your relationship truly is. But if their questions get your mind worrying, it may be time to question how solid your marriage truly is.
These are some of the most common signs of relationship or marriage breakdown. If you spot or feel any of these, it may be time to assess whether you are ready for a divorce, or to try and save the relationship. Either way, we wish you luck, love, and happiness in the long run!