It can be hard to know when it’s time for a divorce, but if you and your partner are circling the ‘D-word’, you might look for these signs. Sometimes relationships head towards divorce because of an upheaval. For example, an affair, a death in the family, or a change in circumstances. However, sometimes a relationship just reaches a natural ending point. If you are wondering if it’s time, consider whether you’ve tried everything you can think of to save the relationship. If the trust is broken, it might be time to separate. Also, if you feel lonely in the company of your partner, it’s a red flag. And finally, if you’ve fallen into a pursuing/distancing relationship, it might be time to call it quits. Hopefully, if you do end up getting a divorce, it will allow you the freedom to start over fresh.
When Is It Time for a Divorce? How to Know When to Call it Quits
You’ve Tried Everything
One way to know if it’s time for a divorce is if you’ve tried everything. If you and your partner have both put in effort into fixing the relationship but to no avail. Or if you’ve reached out and tried marriage counseling or seeking professional advice. If you both have tried your hardest, but things just aren’t working out, then it might be time to discuss separation.
No More Trust
Another way to know it might be time for a divorce is if the trust is broken in your relationship. For example, if one of you has had an affair, it might cause broken trust. Some couples can overcome this, but others can’t. It depends on each of your personalities. If you are wanting to work through it, seek out a counselor to help you. However, if you feel like you will never be able to trust again, it might be time to call it quits.
You Feel Lonely With Your Partner
Another warning sign that it might be time for a divorce is if you feel lonely with your partner. This often happens over time and is a slow process. You might realize that you and your partner just don’t have much in common anymore. Or that your goals are changing in life. If you start feeling lonely when you’re with them, it’s a sign that there could be a serious problem with your marriage.
You’ve Fallen Into a Pursuing/Distancing Relationship
Finally, one last red flag that it’s time for a divorce is if you and your partner are in a pursuing/distancing relationship pattern. This means that one partner is always trying to connect and get closer to the other. But the other partner is always trying to put distance between the two of you. This type of relationship shows a very unbalanced level of effort in your relationship and can be a big warning sign that things are not working out.
Everybody has different warning signs that let them know when it is time for a divorce. But the main thing to consider is if you are still happy with your partner. Does your marriage make you feel happiness and love? Or does it cause stress and loneliness? If you and your partner have tried counseling but it hasn’t worked, it could be time to call it quits. Or if there is a lack of trust in the relationship, or if you feel lonely when you’re together. And if one is always pursuing the other while the other tries to put distance between you, it can be a sign that it’s time for a divorce. If you do choose to divorce, hire an experienced attorney to represent your interests. Hopefully, you and your spouse will be much happier afterward and can each go on to find new paths in life.