The last few years have been challenging for everyone, and the pandemic has been particularly hard on marriages. Figuring out whether it’s a challenging time in your married life or simply a challenging time can be difficult. Though it’s not always easy to know if it’s time to consider divorce, some signs can help point you in the right direction. By better understanding the most common signs that indicate it’s time to end your relationship, you can make an informed decision on what’s best for you.
Reason 1: You’re No Longer Attracted to Your Partner
One of the most common signs that it’s time for a divorce is when you no longer feel attracted to your partner. This can be a physical attraction, but it can also refer to how you felt when you first got together. If you no longer feel that butterflies-in-the-stomach type of excitement about your partner, it may signify the relationship has run its course. While the honeymoon phase eventually fades in all relationships, if you’re no longer attracted to your partner at all, it’s probably time to call it quits.
Reason 2: You Don’t Trust Your Partner Anymore
If you constantly question your partner’s whereabouts or activities, it could be a sign that you don’t trust them anymore. Trust is an integral component of any human relationship. It’s what allows you to feel secure and safe in your partnership. That feeling of safety is essential for a relationship to thrive. When that vital element is gone, it’s often indicative of much deeper problems and will begin to take a toll on your mental and emotional health.
Reason 3: You’re Constantly Fighting
Finding that you and your partner are constantly arguing is a sign that something is wrong. Disagreements are normal, but if you find that you’re always fighting, it’s a sign that you’re not compatible. It could also signify that one or both of you are holding onto resentment. And when that’s the case, it isn’t easy to move forward in a healthy way.
Reason 4: You’re Keeping Secrets From Each Other
The entire foundation of a relationship is based on trust. So, if you find yourself keeping secrets from your partner, it could be a sign that you’re not as comfortable being open and honest with them as you once were. This could be anything from hiding your true feelings to keeping major life events from them. Whatever the reasoning, if you cannot be honest with your partner, this could indicate that the relationship is not built on a solid foundation. Everyone deserves to be in a relationship where they feel comfortable being themselves, and if you’re not able to do that, it’s time to move on.
Reason 5: You Don’t See a Future Together
If you question whether you see a future with your partner, it’s probably time to call it quits. This is especially true if this has been a shift in your thinking. For example, if you used to be sure you wanted to get married, have children with your partner, and be together forever, but now you’re not so sure, it’s a sign that something has changed. It’s not uncommon to drift apart over time and grow in different directions. And when that happens, it’s often best to end the relationship before it becomes more damaging.
Reason 6: You Don’t Feel Supported
Feeling supported by your partner is essential. Whether it’s been a tough time at work or you just need someone to talk to, your partner should be present for you to lean on. When this essential element is missing, it can make you feel alone and misunderstood. This can damage your mental and emotional health and is often one of the main reasons why couples decide to divorce. Consider whether you feel supported by your partner. If you do not, it may be time to end the relationship.
Reason 7: You Feel Trapped
When you feel like you’re in a relationship that you can’t get out of, it’s a sign that something is wrong. No one deserves to feel trapped in a relationship. This feeling could be described as a sense of suffocation or feeling like you’re in prison. This can happen when one or both partners begin to control every aspect of the other person’s life. This could be anything from what they wear to who they spend their time with.
If you feel this way, it’s essential to reach out for help. This could mean talking to a therapist or seeking guidance from a trusted friend or family member. If you’re feeling trapped, it’s time to act and get out of the relationship.
Reason 8: You Don’t Feel Appreciated
Feeling appreciated is a vital part of any relationship. It comes in forms such as compliments, acts of kindness, or just simply saying “thank you.” When this element is missing, it can leave you feeling unimportant and unappreciated. This can be incredibly damaging to your self-esteem and is often one of the main reasons why people decide to divorce. If you don’t feel appreciated by your partner, take some time to consider whether this is a relationship you want to be in.
Reason 9: Lies and Broken Promises
Lies and broken promises are a huge red flag in any relationship. They damage trust and can leave you feeling betrayed, hurt, and alone. If your partner has lied to you or broken a promise, you must communicate with them about how this made you feel. If they cannot understand why this was hurtful and take responsibility for their actions, it may be time to end the relationship.
These nine reasons are just some of the signs that you may be ready for a divorce. Each one by itself may not be enough to indicate that your relationship is over. But if you find yourself experiencing several of these reasons, it may be time to take a closer look at your relationship and consider if it’s time to move on.
If you’re considering divorce, contact your Oklahoma City divorce attorney to begin discussions and learn more about your legal options.