Though Texas has started the process of reopening, the long self-quarantine that preceded it has taken a toll on some marriages. Couples who would normally go to their separate jobs may still be working in the same room at home, getting no break from each other. This environment may lead to additional agitation and unhappiness at home, but it is important to assess whether that state of mind is temporary.
Marriage is not always happy. Sometimes couples can have entire years that are bad for them, such as if one or both spouses loses a job or a family member. A bad year does not mean that it is time to get a divorce. Before deciding whether to separate, individuals should consider what other factors may be influencing their opinion about their partners and whether there is a deeper issue, such as a growing disconnect in core values, verses a temporary hitch.
Generally, it is not a good sign for one spouse to try to change the other’s values or to turn them into a different person. Both parties to a relationship should be willing to compromise, and couples should grow together. If one person feels that he or she is always compromising or that the other spouse is not being respectful of his or her wants or needs, this is a sign that there at minimum needs to be a serious conversation.
After years together, couples also tend to take each other for granted and treat each other with less kindness than others. Individuals may also begin to turn to others for their emotional needs, even without having an extramarital affair. If two individuals have discussed the problems in their relationship and are unable to feel respected or like they are able to work things out, it may be time to consider whether to consult with a family law attorney about a possible separation.