When most people think of a failing marriage, they imagine constant arguments, betrayal, or cheating. But in reality, the warning signs can be far more subtle. According to experts, there are some surprising red flags that could signal deeper problems—long before things start to fall apart. Keep reading to find out what they are—you might be overlooking them without even realizing it.
1. Your relationship started like a Hollywood romance.
A whirlwind, fairytale-style beginning might seem magical, but studies show it’s not always a great sign. Couples who kick things off with intense passion often find it hard to keep that spark alive. Once the initial thrill wears off, they might confuse it with falling out of love. Surprisingly, relationships that start off slow and steady usually build stronger foundations—and tend to last much longer.
But why does this happen, and what does it mean for your own love life? Keep reading to find out.
2. You avoid conflict at all costs.
Never arguing might look like the hallmark of a perfect marriage, but it can quietly do more harm than good. When couples avoid tough conversations, the real issues don’t go away—they just build up under the surface. Bottling up your feelings to avoid conflict might keep things calm on the outside, but inside, it can slowly drain your emotional energy and chip away at the relationship.
3. You got married too young.
Age plays a key role in marital success. Research suggests that couples who marry between 28 and 32 have the best chances of long-term stability. Younger couples may not fully grasp the realities of marriage—financial management, conflict resolution, or personal growth—leading to challenges down the road. While some make it work, marrying too soon can increase the likelihood of divorce.
4. You refuse to consider a “sleep divorce”
Sharing a bed might seem essential to a healthy marriage, but for some, it causes more harm than good. Snoring, mismatched sleep schedules, or restlessness can lead to chronic sleep deprivation—fueling irritability and resentment.
Experts suggest that sleeping separately, or a “sleep divorce,” can actually improve relationships by ensuring both partners get quality rest. Despite the name, this practice isn’t about growing apart—it’s about making the marriage work better
5. Contempt is creeping in.
Few things are as destructive to a marriage as contempt. When one partner treats the other with sarcasm, eye-rolling, or dismissive comments, it erodes mutual respect. Contempt signals deeper resentment and is one of the strongest predictors of divorce, as it poisons communication and makes repairing the relationship incredibly difficult.
6. You don’t look forward to spending time together.
Marriage isn’t just about love—it’s about enjoying each other’s company. While it’s healthy to have separate interests, actively avoiding time together is a major red flag. If date nights, conversations, or even casual moments feel like a chore rather than something to anticipate, it could mean emotional disconnection is setting in. Without shared joy and companionship, a marriage can start to feel more like an obligation than a partnership.
Having a mother-in-law ask to nap in your bedroom might seem odd, but what if there was more to it than just needing rest? One woman’s curiosity got the best of her, so she checked the security camera footage—and what she saw left her completely stunned.