Deciding to divorce can feel like a devastating conclusion to a relationship. But sometimes, it’s the best option for both parties.
Whatever the reasons behind your decision, very often, there are a number of signs that might indicate that you’re ready for a divorce. So how can you tell when it’s time to end your marriage?
Here are a few red flags that you might recognise.
You can’t stop arguing
Disagreements and even arguments are a normal part of any relationship. But when they become the rule rather than the exception, or you find that you can’t even be in the same room as your spouse without it ending in conflict, this isn’t the sign of a healthy marriage.
You might find yourselves constantly going round in circles, unable to resolve your differences or simply being unable to agree on even the most minor thing without it becoming a big deal. Ultimately, arguing constantly can be exhausting, and if your relationship is beginning to affect your mental well-being negatively, it could be time to call it a day.
Time apart is better than time together
It’s perfectly healthy to enjoy spending time apart from your partner. After all, it’s good to have some time to yourself. But if you start to enjoy being alone more than you enjoy being together, or you begin to go out of your way to avoid your spouse or partner, this could be an indication that you’re ready to leave your marriage.
You don’t trust each other
There are many reasons why the trust might be broken in your relationship. Whether it’s due to infidelity, broken promises or hidden secrets, a lack of trust can be difficult to recover from. If you’re unable to forgive your partner for something they’ve done, or vice versa, this could harm your relationship.
We’re not suggesting that you have to share absolutely everything with your spouse (unless, of course, you choose to). However, you should feel safe and comfortable opening up about your feelings and talk about the things that matter to you. It’s also essential for you to say when you’re unhappy or annoyed about something in your relationship so that any tensions can be dealt with and overcome.
In a healthy marriage, you should feel like you’re working together as a team and be able to count on each other for emotional support. If that’s not happening, that’s a big red flag.
It’s impossible to resolve problems
It’s not unusual for a marriage to have its ups and downs, but it’s crucial to work through your issues together. If you can’t, it’s important to be open to additional support such as marriage counselling. However, it might be time to separate if you can’t find a solution or find that neither you or your partner is making any effort to work through things.
This is especially true if your spouse uses gaslighting as a technique to make you feel as though you’re inventing problems.
You’ve already planned a separate life
Whether you’ve thoroughly researched where you’d move to if you were single or reimagined every aspect of your life without your spouse in the picture, you may have already emotionally separated yourself from your partner.
Ultimately, if you know you’d be happier living by yourself, it’s probably time to get a divorce.
If you’re unsure whether getting a divorce is the right choice for you and your family, it’s always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
We know that going through a divorce is a significant life change, but at Harrogate Family Law, we’re here to support you. With an expert legal team on your side, you’ll be equipped to make the best decision for your future.
Contact us today to discuss your options.
