Signs That It Might Be Time for a Divorce

A couple walking intensely with the words, "Signs of Divorce"

Marriages typically start with hope, happiness, and a strong feeling of love and loyalty that seems unbreakable. As time goes on, though, the stressors of life and growing differences between the couple can put a huge strain on the marriage.

This strain can either be overcome through counseling or it can prove to be too much, signaling the end of the relationship. Divorce is never an easy decision and many couples may be hesitant to part ways. If the following is true for your situation, it may be time to contact a trusted divorce attorney to discuss your options:

1. Communication Is Strained or Non-Existent

One of the biggest parts of a good marriage is effective communication. Couples are a team and the ability to communicate needs, wants, and feelings is extremely important in building a strong foundation of support and understanding. This is why a lack of communication is the number one cause of divorce.

If you find that you are feeling unheard or you are having problems listening to your partner and all forms of communication are pretty much closed, then the relationship may be reaching the end. Couples need to be able to talk, get their feelings out into the open, and at times even argue respectfully about the things that bother them. If you and your partner are unable to do so and find yourself unwilling to do so even with counseling, a divorce may be the best option for you.

2. Lack Intimacy

Another sign that your marriage has come to an end is a lack of intimacy between you and your partner. Intimacy is an important part of marriage and helps establish a deeper physical and emotional connection with your partner. There may be natural times when intimacy may lull, such as after the loss of a loved one or when stress is high due to outside factors in life. However, without intimacy, partners may begin to feel alienated from each other.

If, for whatever reason, intimacy seems to be a problem in your marriage, it may be worth seeking counseling. It may be difficult for the other partner to communicate their reasoning for the lack of intimacy, and a professional may be able to help open the line of communication. If this is not working or the lack of intimacy has led to further hurt due to one partner seeking an intimate connection elsewhere, then a divorce may be warranted.

3. There Is No Trust In The Marriage

Trust is one of the main pillars that your marriage is based on and once that pillar is cracked or broken, it can be extremely difficult to rebuild it. Without trust, you and your partner will be questioning everything that your partner does. You may even question your own reactions.

Infidelity and lying can create a toxic environment for the marriage and destroy any ounce of trust between you and your partner. If you are constantly second-guessing yourself or your partner, you are having trouble believing the things they tell you, or you feel anxious when they make promises, this is not a healthy environment to be in. In these situations, divorce may be the best option to protect yourself from any further harm.

4. There Is Contempt

A couple arguing in a car.

Feelings of resentment are never good in any relationship, but especially not in a marriage. Resentment and contempt can lead to unpredictable mood swings from either partner, feelings of distrust or extreme anger, and strong criticisms for every little thing. In these situations, it is important to try and get to the root of the issue, but if this cannot be accomplished, it is not worth it to stick it out.

These feelings can lead to emotional abuse as partners try to walk on eggshells around each other to avoid an argument. In worst cases, some individuals may allow their resentment or contempt to lead to physical abuse of their partner. If you are in this situation, leave the home immediately and seek shelter with family, friends, or contact emergency services to help get you out of the situation. Never stay in an environment that places you in harm’s way.

5. You or Your Spouse Has Cheated

While not all instances of cheating necessarily point to the end of a marriage, they do create a large rift that can be difficult to overcome. Deep feelings of distrust, anger, and hurt can shut down the communication lines between the couple and lead to the dissolution of the marriage. While counseling can prove effective in getting the emotions out into the open, it may not always be enough to salvage the marriage. If your partner has cheated on you and there seems to be no way to salvage the marriage, then you need to contact a divorce attorney to discuss your next steps.

6. You Feel Like You Are Losing Yourself

Healthy relationships are marked by the ability to compromise with your partner. These compromises ensure that both parties are getting their needs met in the marriage by the other. Whether this means skipping the morning coffee to help a partner pay off their student loans or spending a holiday with one family and the next holiday with the other, these sacrifices are shared by both parties. However, if you start to feel that you are losing yourself within all of the sacrifice, such as you are no longer chasing your hobbies or making time for yourself, the relationship may be one-sided or even manipulative.

Petition for divorce paper with a pen and wedding ring

This is especially true if you feel that the only reason you are staying in the marriage is for financial security, your children, or you feel a duty to do so. It is important to remember that your identity as an individual is just as important as your identity as a wife or husband. Don’t sacrifice your wellbeing to save a relationship that is turning you into a shell of yourself.

Lewisville’s Trusted and Compassionate Divorce Attorney

No matter what is putting a strain on the marriage, if you are feeling that it would be healthier for you and your partner to split ways, a divorce can make that happen. Divorce is never easy, but it can give you and your partner a fresh start to find a happier life and peace. Alison Grant, Attorney at Law is a compassionate divorce attorney that has become a trusted name in Lewisville, Texas. She and her staff can help you get the closure you deserve and open the door to a brighter and healthier future. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule a consultation.