Discerning the terminal state of a marital union involves recognizing a constellation of negative patterns and eroded connections. Examples include persistent, unresolved conflict; a lack of intimacy, both physical and emotional; a disinterest in spending time together; and the development of separate lives with divergent goals.
Recognizing the potential end of a marriage provides an opportunity for intervention, whether through counseling, separation, or a conscious decision to amicably dissolve the union. Addressing these issues allows individuals to regain agency over their future and mitigate the potential for long-term emotional distress associated with a dysfunctional partnership. Historically, shifting societal norms have led to increased acceptance of divorce as a viable option when a marriage is irretrievably broken.