5 Subtle Signs Your Marriage Is Headed For Divorce, According to Couples Therapists

In a romantic relationship, it’s normal to have ups and downs. But how do you know if these turbulences are just temporary or if they hide an imminent breakup? And then, sometimes, the separation also happens by surprise, without us having seen it coming. However, even if we thought that everything was going well, the signs of the imminent end of our relationship were indeed there. We just didn’t recognize them. For the American edition of HuffPostcouples therapists have revealed the five signs in a marriage which, although discreet, can suggest a divorce coming. Here are five indicators to pay attention to and correct if you want to stay with your partner.

1. The absence of conflict: a disturbing silence

It may seem counterintuitive, but stopping arguing can be a bad sign. When arguments fade away without resolving the underlying issues, it can signal emotional disengagement. In other words, one partner may have given up on saving the relationship. Stopping fighting for your ideas can mean giving up on the other person and allowing distance to set in, setting the stage for a potential divorce.

2. Living increasingly separate lives

It is healthy for a couple to maintain a certain independence. However, when partners spend more and more time apart and this distance becomes a preference rather than a necessity, it can reveal a deep disengagement. If the desire to share moments together fades, it is a warning sign. This physical and emotional separation can mark the beginning of the end for some couples.

3. Lack of transparency: when secrets accumulate

Some personal privacy is normal in any relationship, but there’s a difference between respecting boundaries and hiding things from your partner. If you or your partner start keeping secrets or being less open, it can damage trust and connection. This lack of transparency gradually erodes the relationship and can lead to divorce if things aren’t cleared up quickly.

4. The absence of common projects for the future

Another less obvious sign that a breakup might be imminent is when you stop talking about your future plans. If you no longer imagine a future together with your partner, or if you no longer talk about your long-term ambitions and desires together, this could indicate that you have resigned yourself to living day by day. This lack of projection is often a symptom of emotional stagnation, a dangerous slope towards separation.

5. You confide your thoughts to other people

If you find yourself sharing more of your thoughts and emotions with a friend, coworker, or family member than with your partner, it’s a sign that an imbalance is setting in. A healthy relationship requires regular, deep communication with your spouse. If that emotional intimacy is transferred to someone else, the marriage inevitably suffers. This is one of the sneakiest signs that divorce is coming.

These signs, while not a guarantee of a breakup, deserve your full attention. The key? Communication. If you recognize yourself in these behaviors, it is crucial to talk about it with your partner or consult a specialist