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Why does divorce feel like a death? Because in many ways, it is—the death of a relationship, of shared dreams, and of a once-cherished connection. But discussing divorce shouldn't be taboo, especially when understanding its warning signs could help save marriages before they reach the breaking point.

Marriage researcher John Gottman can predict divorce with 94% accuracy by looking for one critical emotion: contempt. When eye-rolling, dismissiveness, and disrespect infiltrate a relationship, they erode the foundation of love like swimming without sunscreen—the damage accumulates until the relationship is burnt beyond repair. In our throwaway society, marriage has become increasingly viewed as disposable, making it easier to walk away than to stay and fight.

The decision to divorce often comes down to a simple but profound equation: when the pain of remaining married significantly outweighs the pleasure, the relationship becomes unsustainable. Like Olympic athletes who endure tremendous physical discomfort for future glory, or children playing basketball in scorching heat without complaint, the presence of purpose and pleasure transforms what would otherwise be unbearable pain into a meaningful journey. Marriage requires this same perspective—a clear vision of the love and connection that makes the difficult work worthwhile.

Before considering the "amputation" of divorce, ask yourself: Have you truly exhausted all possibilities for healing? Would you fight harder to save a limb than you're fighting to save your marriage? By viewing your spouse as an extension of yourself rather than a separate entity, you increase your capacity to endure the challenges that inevitably arise in every relationship. The key to avoiding divorce lies not in avoiding pain altogether, but in keeping your focus firmly on the pleasure, the love that brought you together in the first place.

Strengthen your relationship today by embracing the tools that can help you navigate challenges before they become insurmountable. Subscribe to the Coach Ratner Podcast for more insights on building and maintaining healthy, lasting love.