Is Your Marriage Worth Saving? 10 Things to Consider

Published: January 8, 2025 by Melissa Bauernfeind | Leave a comment

Life is full of changes and it’s rare that things stay the same, relationships included. Just like everything else, relationships, and marriage, experience their ups and downs, some for better, some for worse, but we learn to work through it all. But when your marriage is having a rough patch, it can be tough to know if it’s something you can work through and save or it’s a more serious issue.

There are no set rules or no one-size-fits-all guidebook for everyone. Marriage has no specific rules on when it should begin or when it should end. Every relationship is unique to every person who has entered into that commitment, and as such, each partnership must be assessed individually to see what words best for that situation.

Many people have felt unhappy in their marriages at one point or another. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to divorce, but it may make you consider it. However, before making such a life-altering decision, you might want to look into exploring options like marriage counseling first. To give your health and happiness top priority, see if your marriage is worth saving with these 10 things to consider.

Lack of Respect

Mutual respect is an important foundation in a healthy marriage. If you are arrogant and disrespectful to one another’s feelings, this could be a sign it may be time for a divorce. Many divorce experts have said that lack of respect is a common indication of divorce. It can lead to resentment, anger, and fear.

Lack of Intimacy

Lack of intimacy can be a signal of trouble. This can cause confusion and may be a sign that your spouse is having personal issues or seeking intimacy elsewhere. Intimacy is important in a marriage; it is the difference between a romantic relationship and a friendship.

It allows the two of you to connect and bond as one, feeling a humble and satisfying close relationship. Furthermore, a lack of intimacy can lead to a lack of similar interests and activities and a lack of emotional support.

Abuse

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), practically 20% of all American marriages assault each other, either by emotional abuse, hitting, or shoving each other. This type of abuse is quite common among younger couples, and over time this leads to injury and even homicide.

Most communities offer a shelter and a support system, which you can reach out to. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out gently, and do not be judgmental. Help where you can with a kind, open heart.

Lack of Communication

Sad couple not talking to each other after quarrel. Pensive upset woman feeling offended, thinking over problems in relationships, anxious about future, upset man sitting in the background. Signs It May Be Time for a Divorce — ©fizkes/Shutterstock.com

Respectful and open communication is important in any marriage. If you and your partner lack communication, it may indicate a deeper issue that can cause resentment and misunderstandings. If you can’t communicate about small issues, let alone big issues, it could be a sign that it may be time for a divorce.

Drug Abuse

a young woman feels devastated and frustrated after using methamphetamine, syringes and pills. The concept for drugs addiction, International Day against Drug Abuse. say no to drugs. Signs It May Be Time for a Divorce — ©Cans Creative/Shutterstock.com

Whether it be alcohol or substance abuse, it can cause disaster in a marriage. It leads to financial and emotional stress and unnecessary arguments. It is important to seek professional help to save your marriage and life.

One must also consider the impact and influence this type of situation can have on your life as well as that of your children who witness it. If the situation continues, this could be a sign that it may be time for a divorce.

Frequent Arguments

We all know that marriage is tough; however, frequent arguments that cannot be resolved can become a big problem. It can make you feel disconnected and helpless. It is important to always try to compromise and communicate healthily. If this cannot be achieved, then it could be a sign it may be time for a divorce.

Lack of Trust

To have a healthy relationship, there needs to be trust. When either spouse breaks trust, this can ruin a marriage, and it takes a lot of time and patience to rebuild it. If trust cannot be repaired, this could be another sign it may be time for a divorce.

Staying for the Kids

If you feel that your marriage isn’t working, you shouldn’t feel the need to stay in the relationship for the kids. Kids are clever and pick up on emotional and physical vibes. You wouldn’t want them growing up thinking that the current relationship you have with your spouse is healthy or normal when it is not. There are options for child support that can help you.

Neglecting Yourself

The Golf club bag for golfer training and play in game with golf course background , green tree sun rays. — ©AP_studio/Shutterstock.com

As a spouse, you mustn’t neglect yourself; you need to keep up with your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s going to the gym, playing golf, or doing arts and crafts, each spouse should have a personal activity that brings them joy; if not, this can lead to an unhappy marriage.

Betrayal

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Betrayal can break a marriage down and ultimately leave both spouses hurt. Intimacy and trust have been shattered and can take time to repair with a lot of hard work and dedication. However, if betrayal is an ongoing affair, then it’s a sign it may be time for divorce.