5 signs your marriage is over

By Adam J. Edelstein, attorney and partner, Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown

Guest Blogger

Relations are complicated, and when things begin to get difficult in a marriage, people wonder whether they should continue to work on it or admit defeat.

Here are five things which may show your marriage is over:

1. You don’t communicate

In one study, 53 percent of couples reported that a lack of communication was a core reason for their divorce. In any relationship, communication is crucial to build on a foundation of honesty and trust. When you and your partner won’t address relationship issues or share in each other’s joy, you’ve lost that connection. 

If this critical connection is damaged beyond repair, your marriage could be on a slippery slope toward divorce.

2. You’re constantly arguing

Do you consider your partner one of your best friends? Any relationship is much stronger if there’s a friendship behind it. If you’re more at ease when your partner is out of the house or far away, you should consider other options.

If you’re constantly arguing, looking for ways to belittle each other, or even completely avoiding each other, your relationship is certainly on the rocks.

3. You’re constantly thinking about separation

On average, 20 percent of married women and 13 percent of married men, report having thought about leaving their spouse.

The moment you start thinking about leaving your spouse, you’re living in a single mindset. These thoughts are a major sign that it’s time to get serious, or consider a divorce. 

4. There’s infidelity

It may be hard to rebuild trust in your marriage if your partner has cheated on you in the past. Once you’ve broken your partner’s trust, it’s nearly impossible to restore and the psychological damage that infidelity can have on a person can last for years, if not a lifetime.

5. Your relationship lacks intimacy

Has your relationship lost its intimacy? Do you find your mind wandering, rather than giving your partner the attention they deserve?

Physical affection is a strong predictor of satisfaction, affection, and likeability in a relationship. The oxytocin produced during intimacy promotes bonding, reduces stress, and can even boost trust in a marriage.