According to recent statistical analysis, certain areas of London experience much higher rates of divorce than elsewhere in the country – with one borough reporting a divorce rate 200% higher than the national average outside of London.
It is unlikely that there’s something in the water in London, but it is an undeniable truth that divorce is more prevalent in the capital – perhaps due to a larger number of stressors, from finances to urban living. Still, before you think to get in touch with a divorce solicitor in London, there may be some personal changes you can make to turn your marriage back around. Here are three simple ideas to try before divorce.
Restoring Intimacy
A prevailing reason that many dissatisfied partners find themselves exploring divorce options is a perceived loss of intimacy in their relationship. Partners can often drift apart over time, whether spending less time together in the bedroom or spending less quality time with one another overall. If you are feeling unseen as a partner, intimately speaking, it is easy to start to foster feelings of inadequacy, anger or even jealousy. But intimacy issues can sometimes be easy to rectify, before divorce becomes part of the equation.
Date nights are a powerful place to start in this regard. London as a city is perfectly poised to help you rediscover the spark in your marriage, being a multicultural hub chock-full of incredible date-friendly experiences. Making exploring the city together a regular event can help you discover new things together, and potentially rediscover what makes you both tick.
Couple’s Therapy
Of course, intimacy isn’t the only harbinger of a marriage on the rocks. Sometimes communication can break down completely, whether you feel like you’re talking to a stranger or that you aren’t talking to anyone at all. In a difficult marriage where conversation gives way frequently to disagreement or silence, it can be easy to withdraw.
But sometimes all you need is a helping hand to rediscover your common language. Couple’s therapy can provide a safe, guided space to explore your communication breakdown, and allow you to share your concerns without fear of further breakdown. It could help you work through your issues together, and come out with a shared understanding and a clear path forward.
Trial Separation
Lastly, marriage is essentially the melding of two lives into one – an undertaking which, if not done carefully, can see to you losing your sense of individuality. If you’re feeling stifled or finding it hard to get perspective, a trial separation before you leap to divorce can work wonders.
This is especially true for couples in London, where disaffected partners might feel divorced from their true nature, and the vibrant city on their doorstep. Unhappy couples not only do less together, but also do less alone; you can take advantage of trial separation to do and see more, rediscover yourself and put your own recovery first. After that, you can re-evaluate what made your partnership worthwhile to begin with.
