Would you take a break from your marriage to work on yourself? According to new research, 24% of us would

Our relationships make up a huge part of our lives. For those who are married, their relationship not only represents a romantic commitment, but a financial one, filled with shared responsibilities, someone that they can turn to for emotional support, as well as someone with whom they can share the responsibilities of raising children. Over time, it can start to feel like that relationship becomes a key part of our identity – something that can be both comforting and, at times, overwhelming.

While 52% of us say love and emotional commitment are key reasons for us to get married, with around two in five (42%) of marriages in the UK ending in divorce, marriage can come with its downsides, too. Disagreements over parenting styles, financial issues, and differing intimacy needs, changes in life goals, and breakdowns in communication are just some of the key reasons why some couples find their relationships struggling.

The Modern Marriage Report, commissioned by Rayden Solicitors, surveyed 1,000 UK respondents to find out more about our changing attitudes towards marriage and relationships. Findings revealed that, when it comes to feeling like our relationships may be floundering, there are a number of practical steps many couples would be willing to try.

The report revealed nearly one in four of us would be open to the idea of a marriage sabbatical rather than separation, with the concept being particularly favoured by those aged 25-34. Over half (56%) would be willing to try sleep divorce or are already sleeping apart. Findings revealed that many of us have stayed in relationships longer than we probably should, with 68% of respondents admitting that they have stayed in a relationship for longer than they wanted due to a shared living environment, emotional or financial reasons. 

While there has been an increase in individuals and couples seeking therapy for relationships in recent years, could a marriage sabbatical offer a new way of helping reinvigorate individuals' passions for life and their relationships?

What is a marriage sabbatical?

A marriage sabbatical involves a set period of time when a married couple decides to take a break from their regular lives together to focus on personal and/or relationship growth. It isn’t a separation or preparing for divorce, rather, it is a joint decision aimed at helping strengthen the relationship.

The idea is that, by having a break from regular expectations and routines, each partner can have the time to identify and pursue personal goals, reflect on what they want, where they are in life, and where they want to be, and recharge. Once the agreed-upon period is up, each partner can return to the relationship, feeling renewed, refreshed, and with a deeper sense of connection and understanding both of themselves and their partner.

A marriage sabbatical can create the opportunity to better identify, address, and work through any problems that may have arisen, as well as to spot potential future problems and address them before they can become an issue. 

Seeking therapy (together or individually) during a sabbatical can he a helpful way of addressing personal issues, helping to reconnect with yourself and rediscover who you are, as well as learning to set healthier boundaries and learn new, more helpful ways of communicating together.

When we have been in a relationship for some time, it can be easy to feel like we have fallen into a rut. Maybe you no longer feel like you’re being listened to, it feels like the spark has left your relationship, or you are struggling to feel that sense of connection you once had. Taking a break to refocus on your own personal development and growth can help you to feel reinvigorated in yourself, more energised, and ready to put that focus and energy into other areas of your life, including your relationship.