It’s almost unheard of for a divorce to go through without even a minor hiccup. Sadly, in some cases, issues become much deeper than this. Your spouse may be struggling with the reality that the relationship is over, which could lead to them shutting down.
This is far from ideal, as there are plenty of things for you to discuss, such as how assets will be shared and who the children will live with. Outlined below are a few tips on how to open up communication with someone who seems to have shut down.
It might not be about you
When someone isn’t talking to you, it’s a natural reaction to take this personally. However, it’s important to remember that the silence might not be about you. Your spouse may simply feel overwhelmed by everything that is going on. Shutting down is a common coping mechanism that the mind implements automatically.
Find common ground
Your spouse may not feel able to tackle everything at once, but it’s possible that you can prioritize certain aspects of the divorce. For instance, suggesting that you deal with child-related matters first could get communication back on track. Once you’ve got a custody arrangement in place, you might be able to communicate and compromise on other matters too.
Communicating with your spouse during divorce can be tricky, but it is possible for both of you to make it work. If you’ve tried everything in your power but are still having no success, then it may be time to seek some further legal guidance.