When you first got married, you likely did so under the assumption that you and your partner would stay together forever. And while that’s obviously the goal with any legal union, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s more important to be happy and in a healthy environment than it is to remain married.
If you’re considering whether divorce is the right move for you, chances are that there are already some warning signs in your relationship. Understanding the difference between the average, solvable disagreement and tensions that simply can’t be fixed is the key to ensuring a peaceful and happy life.
While every marriage is different, there are some commonly reported warning signs that usually indicate a partnership is no longer what it used to be–or what it should have been from the beginning. Continue reading to learn more and determine whether it’s time for you to consider ending things with your spouse.
3 Symptoms of a Failing Marriage
Irreconcilable Differences
No assumes that you and your partner should be exactly the same. In fact, it’s actually encouraged that you each embrace your differences, as doing so helps to maintain a sense of autonomy and brings something unique to the relationship.
There are some differences, though, that can be detrimental to a relationship. Thoughts regarding family, for example, are one of the most common reasons for the dissolution of a marriage. For instance, if you want children, but your partner does not, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to move forward without one person feeling as though they’re settling for a life they’re unhappy with.
Other major differences include those pertaining to where you want to live, how you spend or save money, religion, and lifestyle factors like drinking or smoking. If you’re struggling to address these issues with your partner, it might be time to consider ending things.
Constant Fighting
Many people think that fighting in and of itself is a symptom of a failing marriage. However, that’s not entirely true. Getting into a disagreement every once in a while is actually considered, healthy in a relationship. But if you’re fighting every day, or you’re continuing to have the same fight over and over again, it could be a sign that your marriage isn’t doing well.
You also need to consider how you and your partner fight. For example, when you’re in a disagreement, do you stay focused on the issue at hand? Do you speak to one another with respect and avoid throwing out low-blows? Or, do you scream at the top of your lungs, bring up past resentments that have nothing to do with the current issue, and find every way possible to insult one another? If the latter is true, it could be problematic for your union.
Feeling Disconnected
A feeling of connection is crucial in a marriage, be it mentally, emotionally, or physically. In a healthy union, you and your partner should create time and space for one another to focus on the relationship and connect with each other. If you and your spouse can go days or even weeks without spending quality time together, it could be a sign that you no longer feel connected to them. You could also be experiencing this if the time you do spend together feels strained or forced.
Preparing for Next Steps
Deciding to get a divorce is never easy. But once you do arrive at this decision, you want to ensure you have all the resources and guidance needed to streamline the process. Working with a family attorney from a law firm in Rancho Cucamonga, California will provide you with the expertise, help, and support needed to close out this chapter of your life and move on to the next.