I think a relationship's over when you can no longer fix the problems with a clear-the-air talk.
I wouldn't pretend that dating relationships are really the same as marriages...but I can tell you that I knew it 'was over' when there was no hope that things would remain good or change permanently for the better when we resolved a dispute. When the hope is gone, so is the fuel to the passion fire, brother.
I would suppose it depends on the frequency of said clear-the-air talks. If they occur weekly, then they're really not clearing the air so to speak. Perhaps this is obvious or not, but in a relationship, it generally becomes "over" for one of you long before the other realizes it or is willing to admit it.
"I can resist everything except temptation." - Oscar Wilde
A rather startling statistic is that 50% of marriages end in divorce.
I'd try talking everything through as the first option, but before you even start talking, both write down what exactly you are unhappy about. Only then, start the dialogue. Be ruthlessly honest.
If that doesn't work, try counselling, as daunting as the prospect might be. If that doesn't work, get a good lawyer. People do grow apart, and there's no point staying together if it will ultimately make you both miserable. Life is short.
Best of luck Mr P!
I'll tell you what did it for me, Plow, and I hope it helps you out, too. We did everything: counselling, talks, marathon bitch sessions, threats to leave, etc., etc. None of it worked.
I finally asked myself, "Would you be happier alone and single?" I reached the point where I said, "YES!" That was the pivotal moment for me.
Now we're happily separated, after she planned it out for us over a year ago.
So hang in there and believe in yourself. Don't worry about what anybody thinks about you.
Thanks for the replies.
We're over the worst of that one. Hopefully things continue to improve. The love is still there, that's the main thing.
Or you can wait for her to cuff and bite you in an attempt to "talk" that would be a clear indication it was over for me.
Being married when it is not going right is such a tough one for anybody. Glad you have smoothed things out Plow.
For me it was when I watched my ex husband with out first new baby and seeing him not wanting to be a part of a family and being a threesome after it just being me and him. I knew right there and then this was gonna be a huge crack. I was right; but I stuck it out for 7 years hoping it would get better. I wish you all the luck in the world Plow I really do.
With a few exceptions, I've known it was over when the sex between us began to become routine to meh...and I realized that 'we' made better friends than we did lovers in all aspects.
I've employed the Nicola Method almost always, and that is the way to approach things. Anyone who has been long term with me does not shy away from talking about issues (or anything)...if they do, I would never have become long term involved with her to begin with.
Often it is best to cut your losses and break apart amicably. Failing that is where the really good attorney comes in handy or... just totally cutting off contact (if you're not married).
The same GQP demanding we move on from January 6th, 2021 is still doing audits of the November 3rd, 2020 election.
Everyone has their up's and downs to make and anyone who tells you that they have never had a cross word I would say is a liar. We all say and do things in the heat of the moment and often have to fix the problem It's only when the problem cant be fixed anymore that a relationship is over.
if you are married and have kids..after you have exhausted EVERY bit..including therapy
if you are married and have no kids...consider this......
when you wake up every morning feeling sad and mad
and you look at the person with rage or sadness
and most of all if you have had an affair or would
when YOUR needs become more important than her happiness
that is when
BUT remember...the next realationship you may have will have the same problems unless you change or change how YOU deal with women
it takes TWO always to fail a marriage..no one is innocent of blame...
and yes it is the HARDEST..thing..you will do
but life is hard..and wonderful when you get through...this
hugs and good luck
For me it's when I get to a point where I really can't stand being around her any longer. It feels like a chore and everything she says makes me frustrated. It's been awhile for me since this has happened, but I do recall that feeling quite clearly.
The best advice I received was a marriage is always 60-40, meaning it always feels like you are giving more then the other. You just have to decide what hill you're willing to die on, because it's always easy to give up.
That said, for me, I knew my marriage was over when my ex moved another woman into our house.
I can't speak about a marriage but as far as a relationship goes I tend to end things when we stop talking to each other.
If someone is hiding something or refusing to really sit down and hash any issues out there is only so long I can try to talk about it/make it better/handle it.
Clear, open communication is a really important part of a relationship for me and if that isn't there I find things tend to only go on a downward spiral.
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
When one or both of you stops trying.
░P░U░S░S░Y░ ░I░N░ ░B░I░O░
It's over when you can no longer overcome the obstacles you once could in the past. Suddenly there's this click where you know "It's over." And you can either work on that or not. It's worth trying, but if you know it's over, then it's horribly sad to say, but it's over.
I have read most everybody's writing about this subject. I really cant dissagree with any of that which was written, particularly about when conflict continues unresoved, and if the hope is gone for improvement together.
I read great things and can think only of a memory where I got into the shower with the woman who was at the time, my tortured beloved,
We stepped into the shower as we would always do together, and it was absent, strange and perfunctory and I knew something was amiss, it was surreal: I felt that I had got into the shower with a different person that I got out of the shower with.
Outside the shower, silently toweling off, she seemed strange and alien all of a sudden, and I asked the fateful question and it was confirmed.
All part of life. It was a good thing we parted, but boy it was puerile showy kid stuff when we reastablished our boundaries and identities... I am not proud of my behavior...
I know this well but I won't bore everyone with the details (again) with my own experience regarding my marriage but will give you two pieces of advice that sealed my marital fate; (1) the realization that it takes TWO people to make a relationship work and (2) you need to ask yourself the question "If this is as good as it will EVER get, is it good enough?"- seems like a pretty simple question but if you think on it long enough, you'll come face to face with a mountain of feelngs and emotions that will ultimately make you realize what you're willing to live with and/or without. Good luck!
As soon as you feel estrangement, it's over. Too many people try to fool themselves about the signs, thinking "I can fix this". You can't. When the thrill is gone, no matter what you do to "spice things back up" "be forgiven" or whatever. The dice is cast, admit it, break it gently, and go your separate ways.
From my own experience,sometimes you dont have any clue,one minute she tells you she is so happy ,the next its finished.
I agree that if after much effort ,its not any better then its time to say goodbye.