Making the decision to separate
Making the decision to separate
Divorce and separation can be tough. Nobody starts a marriage or relationship thinking about divorce or separation. However, any relationship can encounter problems. Some couples work it out, some get stuck and others separate. There is no right or wrong. Divorce or separation is a personal decision and only you can decide what’s right for you and your family. But before you decide, have a think about the following:
Have you sat down together and really discussed your relationship? Not argued or bickered but talked it through, honestly. We often make assumptions about what other people feel however you may find your partner is in a very different place to where you imagined.
The perfect marriage or relationship does not exist. There will always be good and bad times. The key is balance and making sure that what matters to you both – works. Ask yourself, is what I get from the relationship worth more than what I am giving up? So, if your partner is messy and untidy but an amazing father – which one matters to you the most?
It can help you see things more clearly when they are staring back at you in black and white. Why not try the below to get you started?
List the pros & cons of staying together versus separating. List where you want to be in five years: what you would like life to be like? How can you get there?
How does your relationship fit into this future? What is your biggest fear about ending the relationship? What’s your biggest fear if you stay together?
List the pros & cons of staying together versus separating. List where you want to be in five years: what you would like life to be like? How can you get there?
How does your relationship fit into this future? What is your biggest fear about ending the relationship? What’s your biggest fear if you stay together?
Go with an open mind and the will to change and counselling can potentially transform your relationship. It can be hard going at times and you may feel worse before you feel better but challenging the beliefs and stories that you tell yourself about your relationship you can make a difference. Go alone or together – pick the option that works best for you.
So, whether it’s a new beginning or the beginning of the end, taking time now will help you make a clear decision and hopefully will help you both move forward in your relationship or have an amicable and considered separation.