Red flags can be hard to spot when you’re in the midst of a relationship. You tend to focus on all the great aspects and attributes of a person and purposefully turn a blind eye to the harsh realities.
But red flags never go away, and they will most likely end in a separation. So what should spouses look out for?
What are some red flags to spot?
While every marriage looks different to each couple, there are common signs of impending separation on the horizon:
- Drifting apart – One of the most common signs is growing apart. Spouses may stop spending quality time together or express less intimacy around one another. However, many couples tend to drift away from one another and do little to stop it.
- Bickering over small things – Fighting isn’t usually a good sign in most relationships. However, if you notice that you are constantly bickering over meaninglessly tasks, it may signal a larger issue in your marriage.
- Communication is nonexistent – While fighting all the time is a red flag, it’s also bad to avoid communication altogether. No one should be in a relationship that relies on zero communication to function. If you notice that your spouse is disconnecting from you, it might be a sign that they are mentally-checked out from the marriage.
- Shifting priorities away from your spouse – In most relationships, people prioritize their significant other over their careers, friendships, etc. It doesn’t mean that those aspects aren’t important, but they make sure to set aside time for their partner. However, a red flag is when you start to prioritize work and other people over your spouse.
- Ignoring your instincts – Some people will purposely ignore their gut because they don’t want to admit they were wrong about their partner. They may just live with regret and decide that it must be their gut that’s wrong (which usually isn’t the case).
These are just some red flags. There are so many signals that are toxic for you and your spouse, so it’s important to keep an eye out and address them early. Otherwise, a divorce may be the best, and smartest, option for the couple.
