How do I know if divorce is the right step?

Everyone goes through struggles in their marriage, but that doesn’t mean they should necessarily file for divorce as soon as the road gets bumpy. As your relationship goes through challenges, there is an opportunity for you and your spouse to build a stronger and better relationship over time.

However, you may feel as though your relationship has been deteriorating for some time, and that you and your spouse are growing further apart rather than closer together. If you are worried that your marriage is not going to repair itself over time, you should take the time to reflect on certain aspects of your marriage so that you can decide whether or not to get a divorce. The following are some things to consider.

Do you try to provoke your spouse?

Engaging in purposeful provocation could be a sign that your marriage is in a bad place. For example, you may act in a passive-aggressive way so that an argument is started and you are able to vent your frustration. Your spouse may do the same to you.

Do you both avoid confrontation?

It’s normal, and often healthy, to argue in a constructive way. Therefore, if your marriage is completely void of arguments, it is a sign that you do not communicate with each other and that a lot goes unsaid.

Do you feel you have to live a lie?

If you feel that you have to try to be a different person to fit into your marriage, this could be a sign that you have outgrown your relationship, or that you believe your spouse is not going to accept you for who you truly are. It is important that everyone is able to express who they are, as well as their needs, within a healthy relationship.

If you are in an unhappy marriage and you are considering divorce, look into the options you have before taking definitive action.