Trust is the foundation of any relationship. When that trust is damaged between spouses, the relationship can fall apart.
While many couples can rebuild trust, this isn’t always possible. When a marriage is beyond reconciliation, divorce is often the most viable option. Below are some of the most common sources of trust issues between spouses.
Dishonesty
One of the most common reasons trust breaks down is dishonesty. This doesn’t always mean infidelity. This can include hiding spending habits, such as using a credit card without discussing it or lending money to someone without telling a partner.
It may also involve keeping certain personal matters private, like staying in touch with an ex or being vague about how time was spent. Even small untruths, such as saying traffic caused a delay when time was spent with friends, can slowly weaken trust over time.
Communication issues
When spouses stop communicating openly, misunderstandings can escalate. A lack of transparency can make one partner feel shut out or suspicious. For example, if one person avoids talking about work stress or keeps plans with friends vague, the other may feel excluded or question what is being hidden. Over time, this emotional distance can lead to doubts about the other person’s intentions or commitment.
Broken promises
Trust also weakens when promises are not kept. This could be failing to support a partner during tough times, not following through on shared plans, or ignoring agreed-upon boundaries. For instance, if one partner promises to cut back on late nights out but continues to stay out without checking in, it can lead to frustration and doubt. Repeated disappointments like these make it harder to rely on one another.
While trust can be restored with hard work, it isn’t always possible. If you’re considering divorce or you believe your spouse is, it’s smart to get legal guidance as early as possible.
