by Bridget Webber

Created on: August 17, 2007

When communication has failed, respect has vanished and true friendship has long gone then sadly it may be time to end a marriage or longterm relationship. Some husbands and wives stay together when all they do is create further pain and distress. They shout and scream instead of really talking and they stop listening to one another and truly hearing the meaning behind the arguments.

When a relationship reaches this stage a couple can either mutually choose to try to improve matters or they can choose to part. A stale-mate where nothing changes only leads to further pain and heartache.

People who once loved each other can hurt each other and cause each other harm when they refuse to acknowledge that their relationship is on the rocks. It may be that they are afraid to step out alone into a new life, or it may be that they feel that they cannot manage financially without the other.

Quite often the decision to stay long after the love has gone is based on the fear of having to cope alone if a parting of the ways was to occur. It can be frightening to leave a longterm relationship as it can mean a total change of lifestyle. It also involves a great amount of physical upheaval involving financial issues and re-homing.

It is always sad when an end is on the horizon because it means that a once promising relationship full of hope for the future has failed. This can be hard to absorb and even harder to admit. Even so, the change can lead to happiness once the dark clouds have cleared and new brighter futures for the couples who have gone their separate ways.

If a couple are no longer able or willing to care for one another, respect each other and hear what the other has to say then it is time for them to move on to pastures new.

If, however, they still love one another but the lines of good communication have been blocked some-how then there is still hope for the marriage. All marriages have their ups and downs. Sometimes the 'downs' can last for a long time and tunnel deep below common sense and understanding. In such a case counseling may help rebuild what has crumbled but not been lost.

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