Why is silent divorce worse than divorce?
Dhaka news Sunday, October 12, 2025
Today is Sunday, 27th Ashwin 1432 B.E., 12th October 2025 AD, 19th Rabi'us Sani 1447 AH
Silent Divorce: Why is silent separation worse than divorce?
Silent divorce is a type of emotional distance where the relationship stays intact on paper, but the love, connection, and feelings are gone.
 |
| Why is silent divorce worse than divorce? |
Why Silent Divorce is Worse Than Divorce
Have you ever seen a couple living together but no longer connected?
They may share the same roof, but there is no conversation, laughter, or emotional bond between them.
This is the "silent divorce"—the quiet end of a relationship where no one leaves, but no one truly stays.
Psychologists around the world say that silent divorce has become the biggest psychological crisis in married life because it happens gradually and without any formal recognition.
What is silent divorce?
Silent divorce occurs when a husband and wife, though legally or socially married, are entirely disconnected mentally and emotionally.
They may still look like a family, but there is no understanding, love, or sharing of feelings between them.
This is not a legal separation, but rather an invisible barrier of emotional distance.
Common signs of silent divorce
Most couples do not realize they are experiencing a silent divorce. Here are some common signs:
Decreased conversation
Once, the day ended with stories; now, silence reigns.
Everything reduces to necessities—“make tea,” “turn off the lights”—just the basics.
Loss of emotional connection
Love, care, compassion—all these seem to have disappeared.
One person no longer notices the other’s pain.
Not spending time together
One partner watches TV while the other is glued to their phone.
Their time together becomes routine and unremarkable.
Sexual contact or physical affection drops significantly.
This is the strongest sign of emotional separation.
Growing misunderstandings
Arguments, stubbornness, silent resentment over trivial matters—
No one wants to apologize or find a resolution anymore.
Lack of future planning
Where they once shared dreams for the future, now each lives in isolation.
Why does silent divorce happen?
Psychologists believe that silent separations do not occur overnight. They develop slowly over time.
Small problems accumulate—even minor disagreements, if left unchecked, can build a wall over the years.
Loss of trust—once trust is broken, it is hard to regain.
Financial or family stress—disagreements about money, children, or in-laws weaken relationships.
Lack of time—being overly busy or indifferent drains the love out of a relationship.
Poor communication—not listening or expressing feelings leaves a relationship empty.
Psychological impact of silent divorce
Silent divorce is not just the end of a relationship; it also harms a person's inner peace and self-worth.
Impact on spouses
Loss of confidence
Children can sense their parents' silent distance, even if it is unspoken.
They feel insecure, lose confidence, and develop negative thoughts about future relationships.
Psychologist Dr. Rezwana Rahman said:
"Couples in a silent breakup may seem 'normal' on the outside, but they are strangers to each other inside. If this continues, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem."
Family counselor Sohel Ahmed added:
"Silent Divorce starts when communication halts. The first step in maintaining a relationship is to communicate."
Questions and Answers (Q&A)
❓ Question: Is silent divorce a legal issue?
Answer: No, it is not a legal process. It is a complete mental and emotional separation.
❓ Question: Can you recover from a silent breakup?
Answer: Yes, it is possible. Rebuilding a relationship can happen through timely open discussions, counseling, and renewed interest in each other.
❓ Question: How can we tell if we are headed for a silent divorce?
Answer: If conversation diminishes, laughter fades, and interest wanes—that's when you should be concerned.
Ways to restore relationships
If you recognize that you or your partner are on the brink of a silent breakup, act now.
Break the silence. Talk about small things—that's the first step toward healing.
Set aside time for each other daily, outside of work.
A kind word or a thank you can go a long way in keeping a relationship alive.
If solutions seem elusive, seek help from a psychologist or couples counselor.
Real-life example: The story of Rina and Sadiq
Rina and Sadiq are two high-ranking employees.
Their marriage seemed normal, but they hadn’t truly spoken for months.
One day Rina realizes, “We are together but not for each other.”
Through counseling and regular conversations, they relearn each other's feelings.
Now they say:
“Recovering from a silent divorce is tough, but not impossible.”
A silent call to save a relationship
Silent divorce does not mean the end of a relationship; it is a warning sign.
When silence grows, we must start to talk, understand, and show love.
Silent separation quietly erodes love.
The path to recovery begins with being interested in each other and communicating.
Time, care, and mutual respect are crucial to keep love alive.
If you or someone you know is facing a silent divorce, break the silence today.
Express love, share feelings, and seek help if necessary—
Because relationships only last when both people listen to one another.