Unfortunately, the American divorce rate has hovered around 50% for decades now. Even though the latest statistics show the current rate as 39%, your marriage still stands a good chance of failing. But how can you tell if your spouse wants a divorce?
Love Learning lists 18 red flags that could indicate that your spouse wants a divorce. They tend to fall into the following categories:
- Communication changes
- Behavioral changes
- Money changes
Communication changes
Has your spouse stopped sharing his or her feelings with you? Do you and (s)he no longer talk about the events of your respective day or your plans and dreams for the future? Does (s)he nag you about little things more than (s)he used to? Do the two of you fight more than you used to? Conversely, do you fight less but feel constant tension between you? All of these represent strong indications that your spouse no longer desires your input and, as the old song says, “can get along without you very well.”
Behavioral changes
If your spouse suddenly starts spending more time at work, at the gym or with his or her family and friends, all without explaining or asking you to accompany him or her, (s)he may be sending the message that (s)he no longer desires your company, preferring that of others instead. Outings with your kids which exclude you can indicate pre-divorce guilt.
Money changes
If your spouse has become secretive with his or her money, this, too, can be a divorce red flag. While good marriages do not necessitate each spouse telling the other about each and every purchase, most spouses make a lot of purchases together, especially major ones. At the very least, you should know in general where your marital money goes, regardless of which of you earns it. If you do not, your spouse could be hiding assets from you in advance of the inevitable property settlement that a divorce entails.