Trial Separations - do they work?

[gobbledegeek]

I often read in newspapers and magazines of couples having a trial separation following problems in their marriage.
I don't know anyone who's had a trial separation, but do they actually work? Can they bring the couple back together, or does it just hasten the end of a relationship?

[zoi-faye]

well i had a trial seperation with my husband.... it was meant to be "back to basics" you know dating.... nice text messages... missing each other.... turned out the trial just gave him more time to bang his secretary without me asking where he was.... so no i dont think they work and it seems to be the case with a few other people i know.... a trial seperation just makes it easier to say the final goodbye i think.... sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear....

[miacat]

AAAAWWWWW sorry zoi-faye that's awful (still, you're clearly better off without him!) I think it's supposed to work along the lines of "absence makes the heart grow fonder"? As someone whose husband works away a lot I know it has helped us keep the *ahem* romance in our marriage! I think it depends how far gone the relationship is.

[zoi-faye]

miacat... no your absolutley right i have been seeing someone for the past year who also works away and it makes it like the first date every time he comes home.... however in the case of trial seperations i think once you've gone off track for whatever reason its few who can get back on track.... but when your partner works away its easier to keep the spark alive....

[lizzydrippin]

I reckon its far easier for two people who have been together for a long time to take the parting of ways in 2 phases, the first being 'the trial separation' and the last being 'split by mutual consent'. Having said that, I do know a few couples who actually did have a trial separation and once the pressure was off the relationship they did miss eachother and did realize that they didnt want to part at all. Depends on the issues involved. So, yes, yes and yes to your questions!

[gobbledegeek]

zoi-faye
>..sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear....

I'm not in the process of a trial separation, was just curious, Sorry things didn't work out for you.