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9 Signs You Are Ready for Divorce: Taking The Next Step

It is normal to view conflicts and arguments as natural issues in a healthy marriage. However, it is difficult to recognize when disputes turn a loving but unhappy marriage into a toxic and destructive relationship. Stated simply, the most challenging part of the divorce process is recognizing the signals of when a marriage should end. This article by Peaceful Separation and Divorce outlines 9 signs you are ready for divorce.

1. Loss of Respect

Respect between spouses is essential for a healthy relationship. Spouses who no longer respect each other quickly lose trust and credibility. A loss of respect can lead to additional arguments and conflicts as your spouse no longer views you as an equal.

2. Loss of Empathy

Caring about your spouse goes beyond caring about their physical health and welfare. Caring means understanding the physical and emotional challenges your spouse is facing. Lack of empathy can be seen if your spouse is placing their needs ahead of the marriage, or your spouse is unwilling to acknowledge their behavior hurts you or contributes to ongoing problems.

3. Loss of Communication

Effective communication within a marriage is essential. A lack of communication means one or both spouses are unwilling or unable to address issues affecting the marriage. A loss of communication may be affecting your marriage if you or your spouse avoid discussing certain subjects or if you or your spouse avoid arguments.

4. Tried & Failed Reconciliation Methods

Fundamentally, a corrosive issue may be present in your marriage if you and your spouse repeatedly separate and reconcile. While reconciliation should be encouraged, multiple instances of reconciliation may indicate you and your spouse failed to adequately address the issue affecting your marriage. Additionally, numerous instances of failed reconciliations may also show you and your spouse are simply unable to resolve your differences.

5. Far Too Different Values

People make the mistake of thinking they know the person they are marrying or that once they marry their partner they can “change them”. You may discover who your spouse is as you spend more time with them during your marriage. Alternatively, you and your spouse may develop different points of view and different values as you each grow and change as people.

6. Divorce is at the Forefront of Your Thoughts

You may be ready for divorce if you are constantly thinking about divorce. It is normal to want some time apart from your spouse. However, constantly thinking about a new life may strongly indicate your subconscious desire to end your marriage.

7. The Thought of Interacting with Your Spouse Causes Stress

There are times spouses are angry with each other and desire time apart. However, this does not mean spouses should dread spending time together. You may want to consider divorce if you view interacting with your spouse as an unpleasant task.

8. You’ve Stopped Thinking of “We” in Your Marriage

A marriage is a partnership made possible by teamwork. Stated more clearly, spouses in a marriage share some common goals. You may want to consider divorce proceedings if you or your spouse no longer have common goals.

9. You Hide Your True Self

It is natural for people to keep some parts of themselves hidden for privacy reasons. However, this does not mean you should be a completely different person with your spouse. If you feel the need to be a different person with your spouse, it likely may mean  you do not want them to know who you are as a person.

Talk with a Philadelphia Divorce Mediator

It takes strength to recognize your marriage may end in a divorce. This realization does not necessarily mean your divorce will become a bitter and contentious adversarial process. However, recognizing the signs that a marriage may be over is a courageous step toward building a better future. Contact the Philadelphia divorce mediators at Peaceful Separation and Divorce today to learn more about the collaborative divorce process and get guidance from an experienced divorce mediation lawyer.