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7 Signs of "Invisible Divorce" in a Marriage

5 min read
7 Signs of "Invisible Divorce" in a Marriage

Not all married couples that look happy must be in a healthy relationship; many of them could be in bad shape.

You and your spouse might be facing an “invisible divorce” if you’re constantly at each other’s throats. Despite staying married, an invisible divorce occurs when the romance between married couples fizzles out.

Not all married couples that look happy must be in a healthy relationship; many of them could be in bad shape. Marriages that appear to be healthy but collapsing are known to be in an invisible divorce.

In this article, you’ll read:

  • 7 Signs of “Invisible Divorce” in a Marriage
  • Few Things You Can Do When You Notice That You Are in an Invisible Divorce

Whether it is in social media or in real life, there are certain marriages that we look up to. Several married couples look fine; we cannot help but admire or even envy what they have.

Most of them looked so happy at all times and enjoyed going out together as a couple or family. Aside from that, many of them tend to always upload beautiful photos on social media. 

Upon looking at their lovely and delightful photos together, some people cannot help but compare—many wonders why they could always afford to have a happy relationship.

However, you can also notice eventually that these lovely couples are starting break; they are ending. You can hardly see, but they are beginning to go in different ways. 

Experts best describe this kind of instance to be “invisible divorce.” Keep reading if you want to know more about it.

Man holding his wedding ring - invisible divorce

Image Source: iStock

7 Signs of “Invisible Divorce” in a Marriage

There could be instances when couples seem to be in a marriage full of love but are actually in an invisible divorce.

An invisible divorce happens when a married couple no longer functions as a couple. It typically occurs when they begin organising their lives apart from each other. They are starting to spend no time together, which could go as far as sleeping apart. 

There are various ways in which you could tell if your relationship with your spouse is already in an invisible divorce. Here are the seven signs of invisible divorce in marriage:

Refusing to communicate

Communication is essential in any relationship. If both you and your partner started to refuse to talk to each other, it could be one of the signs of invisible divorce. 

Substance abuse or excessive drinking

Substance abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems. More importantly, it could vastly affect your relationship with your partner.

Too much time at work

 You and your spouse are failing to balance your life at work and home. You attend to spend too many hours at work and no longer have an intimate relationship with your partner. 

Worshipping material things

People in love will never choose material things over maintaining a good relationship with their other half. Worshipping stuff like cars, boats, and other luxurious things could signify an invisible divorce. 

Excessive ‘me-time’

Ensuring you are spending enough time for yourself is essential to every individual’s well-being. However, it will do no good to your marital relationship if spending time with yourself becomes too much. 

Shopping as Therapy

Constantly spending money and shopping alone for yourself could affect your relationship with your spouse, especially if go out of hand. 

Immoderate unhealthy habits

You and your partner excessively watch television, read, and use smart gadgets. Instead of communicating, you are starting to focus more on social media and internet surfing. 

Sad wife or girlfriend after a breakup - invisible divorce

Image Source: iStock

Few Things You Can Do When You Notice That You Are in an Invisible Divorce

If you notice that your marital relationship has the majority of the signs mentioned above, here are a few things you can do. 

  • Compose a list of the positive and negative aspects of your marital relationship. Take time listing the thing that works well and those of not so well because a lot is at stake. 
  • Plan to communicate with your partner. It is your partner; after all, you need to talk with each other quietly and without any interruption. 
  • Keep your calm as you address your problems and concerns toward each other. While it is good to express yourself about what is on the inside, it would still be better to do it in the best manner. 
    Keep an open ear and mind as your partner speaks. In that way, both of you will be able to share the concerns that you need to address.
  • Seek therapy as a couple or individually. Whether you are going as a couple or individual, it would be better to seek guidance and help from a professional. 

Once you finish doing all these tips, your head will become more evident. This could be a better time to determine and decide if both of you still want to fix and continue your relationship with your spouse. 

Psychology Today, LinkedIn

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Written by

Kamille Uriella Batuyong

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