You realize that your relationship with your spouse has deteriorated and divorce may be the only option that makes sense. However, it is a life-changing decision with its own significant consequences.
How can you be sure that you are doing the right thing? Ultimately, you are the one most qualified to make the judgment. However, TODAY offers you some questions to think about as you are making the deliberation.
How is your day-to-day relationship?
Do you and your spouse ever laugh together? Do you show any signs of physical affection, and if so, how often? It may be important to point out that physical affection does not only refer to sex but includes intimate gestures like kissing and holding hands.
How often do you and your spouse argue? Is it on a daily or near-daily basis? If you and your spouse are more often expressing hostility toward one another rather than affection, it may be time for a divorce.
Are you prepared to survive on your own?
Before considering divorce, you have to make financial plans for supporting yourself. However, there is more than survival than merely your continued existence. You have to consider whether you can survive the divorce emotionally. Do you have a strong support system in place to help you cope?
Have you made every effort to salvage the relationship?
Sadly, some couples simply give up on the marriage without really making any attempt to save it. Ideally, you and your spouse should participate in couples counseling and work at the relationship before making any final decisions.
However, you cannot force your spouse to participate, and if he or she is not willing to put in the effort, preserving the relationship may not be an option. If you have done all that you can, then you can make the necessary decisions with a clear conscience.