While the dream of a lasting relationship that could lead to marriage is what many people wish for, it is not the reality for countless others. And even for those that end in matrimony, there isn’t a guarantee that things would last. Statistics indicate that in 2019, about 100,000 couples got divorced in the UK, and the figures kept rising in subsequent years.
There are always warning signs in a fledgling relationship. The couple may notice the signs but ignore them due to the absence of enthusiasm to patch things up. And although both may feel burdened, they are unwilling to deal with the worrying situation. Below is a list of some early signs.
- Lack of communication
Every healthy relationship thrives on good communication. Both partners’ ability and ease of talking to each other often signifies a healthy relationship. On the other hand, when communication ceases for long periods, it stifles the progress of the relationship. And the urge to initiate a conversation with each other is absent. Even worse, neither one of you is willing to establish an active connection as normal, healthy married couples.
The sad part is that there are no more shared dreams or goals when communication goes out the window. A lack of communication also results in both parties looking outside the relationship to fill that void. They may rely heavily on their inner circle of friends to chat or deliberately spend more hours at work to avoid contact with the other partner. In other words, with reduced contact comes the lowered chance of being compelled to initiate a conversation.
2. Emotional disconnection
This usually presents as a lack of empathy for each other. Sometimes, the emotional distancing begins before either couple realises what it actually happening. Empathy usually fuels the relationship and when it diminishes or completely disappears, the couple refuses to be involved with anything to do with the other. There are no more shared values, individual opinions are fiercely protected, and the couple may start to feel like strangers.
According to some counsellors, the emotional disconnection acts as the catalyst for the breakdown. In some cases, the emotional disconnection begins with one party and not both. When that happens, the other feels like the only person fighting for the relationship. Undoubtedly, that can be emotionally draining and quickly spiral into disappointment and animosity. So, if you’re in a relationship and begin to notice this happening too often, it could be a telltale sign.
3. The D word
In 2020, the UK recorded the highest number of couples filing for divorce. This was influenced by the pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns when people were compelled to stay home. According to family lawyers in the UK, several couples who succeeded in filing for divorce started looking for divorce lawyers online months earlier. Indeed, this is one of the earliest signs of a marriage falling apart. If you find yourself in this scenario, you may want to seek divorce lawyer advice before proceeding with the annulment of your marriage.
Finally, unless both partners are willing to reignite the spark in their relationship and do the work required to keep them together, it becomes increasingly difficult to prevent things from going downhill fast.
Please note – this is a collaborative post
