15 Signs Your Marriage is Over

In some cases, it may not be so easy to isolate the determining factors behind the dissolution of a marriage. Sometimes, it’s the combination of many things, which is why asking yourself these hard questions can be so key. Some of those hard questions might include: Is there no more mutual respect left in the relationship? Do you no longer feel supported in your growth as person? Have you become so disconnected that you no longer have the same morals or values? Is there no more compromise in your relationship? Be honest with yourself and see which questions receive an irrefutable 'yes', according to FamilyEducation.com, and you'll know when a marriage is really over.

The inability to connect on a truly intimate and emotional level could spell disaster for any marriage. As GoodTherapy.org explains, a “lack of depth or meaning” to communication between partners signals a troubled marriage. When you’re no longer able to connect deeper than the superficial level, it may be an indicator that your marriage bond has been fractured beyond repair.

See the top 10 little things that can ruin relationships for more.

Believe it or not, conflict, to some degree, is a sign of a healthy relationship. Coming to blows over a difference of opinion is an indicator that you are both invested in having the other person see your point of view. Just take it from marriage counselor Selma Wilson, who believes the lack of will to fight translates to having “no energy left to give.” Once you lose the desire to put up a fight, odds are you have already begun to emotionally check out of the marriage.

Related: how to win every argument with your significant other.

According to Oprah.com, one of the more significant signs that your marriage might have hit a dead end involves the concept of “cost-benefit analysis.” This is when you find yourself taking stock of your contributions versus your partners’ contributions, and continually feeling like you are on the losing end. Relationships are all about give and take, and it’s this balance between partners that really embodies the concept of a partnership.

If you're constantly having thoughts of life without your partner, it's a pretty big sign that you should consider leaving your marriage. Fantasizing about a life minus your other half on a regular basis is not something you should ignore, according to TheGoodManProject.com. This kind of mindset is a strong indicator that, for whatever core reason, you are no longer happy in the partnership.

Check out the celebrity couples who called it quits before hitting the altar.

A no-brainer that something is definitely not working in a marriage anymore is the feeling of, or confirmation that, someone in the relationship is being unfaithful. Whether emotionally or physically, this kind of deceit and betrayal is rarely something couples can successfully move past without effort and willing participation on both ends. According to DivorceandYourMoney.com, infidelity is seen as an “unforgivable offense” to most couples. It's one of the top reasons for divorce.

Speaking of cheating, don't miss the nastiest celebrity divorces of all time.

Noted from an article on The Marriage and Family Clinic with a focus on “his perspective,” we felt this next point applied to both people in the relationship. A lack of interest in being intimate with your partner, or vice versa, can often be attributed to other life variables that may inadvertently be having an effect on the relationship. However, if this becomes an ongoing issue, it could lead to some issues and indicate some detrimental underlying issues.

On the other end of things, see the signs that you’re (super) comfortable in your relationship.

Renowned couple’s therapy expert, Dr. John Gottman has studied the subject of marital stability and divorce prediction for over 40 years. From his findings, one of the primary indicators that your marriage may be over is a lack of unity between partners. When “me-ness dominates we-ness” as Dr. Gottman puts it, is when couples no longer see themselves as a joint front, but rather as individuals more concerned with satisfying their own needs ahead of the needs of the other person.

New York Times best-selling author and noted relationship coach Laura Doyle believes many partners take their marriage down a disastrous path when they become fixated on the idea that the other person is the problem. That’s not to say that in some cases, it isn’t true, but it’s unfair and unproductive to assume the only functional and positive link in your marriage is yourself. Both people in a marriage need to feel heard and respected; and if it’s at the point that that just isn’t possible, it may spell the end for your marriage.

If you're not quite married yet, make sure you can tick off these top 10 signs you've found the one.

When you recognize that something in your marriage isn’t working, but you lack the motivation or willingness to make changes on your part, preferring instead to blame your partner, this could mean the end of your marriage. As author and spiritual relationship counsellor Jon Beaty explains, this behaviour is akin to “spinning around in circles” with the only resolution being for both people to “change direction, or end the marriage.”

Dr. Karen Finn, divorce and life coach, is quick to clarify that “bad habits” as a deal-breaker in a marriage go far beyond “the little annoying habits that we’ve all got.” Rather, she’s talking about behaviours like drifting apart in your relationship, becoming “just parents” as opposed to “remaining lovers and partners.” In a nutshell, bad habits that have caused an unhealthy rift or disconnect in your marriage are not always easy to break – and if either, or both partners, are unwilling to work toward kicking these habits, it may spell the end of your marriage.

Plus, don't miss the real reason why your husband is cheating.

In a post by Angel Chernoff, one half of the professional life coaching pair Marc and Angel, she points out that: “Actions speak louder than words – actions speak the whole truth.” To elaborate, this one is all about finding yourself in a marriage where your partner’s words and promises are in contrast to their behaviours. When this becomes a consistent and, naturally, hurtful issue, it may be a sign that the marriage is beyond repair.

For more relationship mistakes to avoid, check out our list of things you should never do in a healthy relationship.

One strong indicator that your marriage may be over is the mindset of being open to divorce, even when things between you and your partner are on a relatively positive track. According to divorce coach Emma Hamptonstall, when you find you’ve begun to entertain the idea of divorce as a constant possibility in your marriage, you may have already checked out of your partnership.

You may also find these expert tips on how to divorce-proof your marriage helpful.

Psychologist and author Karen Young believes there are many indicators that a person has outgrown their relationship. One such indicator is the persistent feeling of disappointment, wherein your partner may even be putting in an effort, but somehow, in your mind, they always fall short.

On the flip side, for those couples who are totally in sync, check out these hilarious tweets that only married people will get!

A blog post on TheSpruce.com would agree with us on this next one: secret-keeping in a marriage is a significant marker of trouble up ahead. Communication in any healthy and happy marriage is key, and if you find you’re keeping more secrets by the day, from small to large in scale, you could be on the fast-track to divorce.

Looking to avoid the D-word? Check out these 19 signs your partner is cheating on you.