When a marriage sours, a lot of couples try to reconnect through romantic getaways (or, at minimum, a family vacation) – hoping to rekindle the love they once had.
Unfortunately, those efforts are more than likely to fail. There’s a spike in new divorce filings every year come August, and it’s not a coincidence that it comes right at the end of vacation season.
Vacations offer a temporary escape, not a permanent solution to marital woes
The notion that a simple vacation can save a failing marriage is, unfortunately, a romanticized myth that’s more “Hollywood” than reality. Here’s why:
- A vacation can provide a temporary escape from the routine and pressures of daily life, but it doesn’t address the underlying issues causing marital strife. Problems like communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts and emotional disconnects don’t magically disappear just because you’re in a different location.
- Once the vacation ends and you return to your regular environment, the same issues that were causing marital friction will likely resurface. Without addressing the root causes, the cycle of conflict and dissatisfaction in the marriage just continues.
- High expectations on a vacation to solve deep-seated marital issues can add pressure to an already strained relationship. If the vacation doesn’t live up to these expectations, it can lead to further disappointment and frustration.
- Travel itself can sometimes be stressful, with challenges like delayed flights, lost luggage and navigating unfamiliar places. These stressors can exacerbate tensions rather than alleviate them, especially if the relationship is already fragile.
- While a vacation might provide temporary relief and moments of happiness, it’s akin to putting a band-aid on a deep wound. The core issues remain unaddressed and untreated, leading to a superficial sense of improvement that quickly fades.
Escaping on vacation can sometimes be a way of avoiding dealing with the real problems at hand in a marriage, but that can ultimately make the situation worse when you return to reality. If divorce is looming, it’s time to seek more informed information about your options.
