Marriage Signs Your Marriage Is Over 5

Question 1

If your spouse has begun consulting a divorce attorney 'just to know options,' what does this behavior typically signal?

Accepted Answer

Serious contemplation of ending the marriage

Answer

Seeking legal counsel independently—even informally—is a concrete action that indicates the person is seriously considering divorce.

Question 2

How does 'parallel living' manifest as a sign a marriage is over?

Accepted Answer

Spouses operate as separate individuals sharing only a home address

Answer

Parallel living means two people coexist in a shared space without emotional, social, or intimate connection—essentially roommates.

Question 3

A spouse who stops saying 'I love you' and shows no concern about whether you notice is demonstrating:

Accepted Answer

Complete emotional withdrawal from the relationship

Answer

When affirmations of love stop and the partner shows no awareness or concern, emotional investment in the relationship has likely ended.

Question 4

Research by Dr. John Gottman identifies four behaviors that predict divorce with over 90% accuracy. Which set is correct?

Accepted Answer

Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling

Answer

Gottman's 'Four Horsemen'—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—are the most scientifically validated predictors of marital failure.

Question 5

When a spouse starts attending events, social gatherings, or work functions without mentioning them to their partner, this indicates:

Accepted Answer

Actively building a separate social life outside the marriage

Answer

Deliberately omitting one's social activities signals the partner is no longer considered part of one's social identity.

Marriage Practice Test