Can separation save a relationship?

WHY CAN A SEPARATION BE BENEFICIAL?

Monique Dupré-Latour: It creates a constructive distance that favours dialogue. It allows them to rediscover themselves and accept each other’s differences. It is then that two more mature people will find themselves in a new and more realistic relationship.

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE NECESSARY TO MAKE IT WORK?

First, it is necessary to want it but this is not the only requirement. To change the nature of the couple’s relationship, it is essential to get to the root of the problem, to understand its cause, to apply some self-analysis  – without blaming each other – and by agreeing on the foundation for a new start.

BUT SOMETIMES IT IS DOOMED TO FAIL

For some relationships, separation is regarded as a welcome release. We also see couples for whom the attachment disappeared either before or during the separation. Finally, there are couples who want to start the relationship all over again, and recapture the passion of the beginning. They reiterate the same issues and repeat the same errors.

IS IT NECESSARY TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PSYCHOLOGIST OR A COUPLE’S THERAPIST?

It can be useful but some people can apply their own self-analysis, provided they have matured as a result of the separation, the engendered suffering and the subsequent questioning.

Read more on our ‘separation’ report:

Separation: “I am still afraid that the problems will return”
Separation: “Today, I am calmer and he is more loving”
Separation: “I was persuaded that our love had not been switched off.”

Marie Le Marois