No married couple is happy all the time. Conflict and marriage problems are a part of married life.

However, there’s a big difference between a marriage that is just going through a rough patch and one where unresolved problems have stacked up to the point where the couple can’t remember what it feels like to be happily married. The latter is a marriage that is dangerously close to the tipping point.

The tipping point is the point where negative interactions exceed positive ones precipitating a downward spiral towards divorce. At that point, the spouses are no longer invested or interested in contributing to the relationship.

It is very difficult to fix a relationship that has reached the tipping point. This is why it is important to know when you’re getting close to the point of no return so that you can save the relationship.

Blow Ups 

Unresolved anger tends to erupt into emotional tirades. If you find yourself blowing up at your partner more frequently or getting irritated by everything your partner says or does, it’s time to evaluate your marriage. Seek professional marriage counseling before you cause irreparable harm to your relationship.

Not Caring

Not caring is just as dangerous and harmful as explosive anger and irritation. If the things you used to enjoy no longer interest you and you no longer enjoy your spouse’s company, you’re probably close to the edge. This is especially true if you feel hollow despite everything that’s going on around you.

Not Talking

Breakdown of communication in marriage is yet another sign of danger. If you have stopped talking to each other because you’re angry or because you have nothing to talk about, you’re close to the tipping point. No relationship can survive without communication.

Divorce Fantasies

Daydreaming about divorce is probably the surest sign of a marriage about to end. The fantasy starts out as an idea that is quickly and guiltily dismissed but with time, it turns into an obsession. Fantasies may help you to escape reality when you are having marriage problems but they also puts you one step closer to divorce.

Marriages don’t just end abruptly. There are usually signs that the relationship is close to the tipping point. Knowing what these signs are can help you save your marriage from reaching this point.