Many estranged couples in Hollywood took a break from each other only to return to each other stronger. Here’s why you should take a leaf out of their books. Looking at its pros and cons
Recently, celebrity couple Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green created a buzz when the Transformers star revealed that she was expecting her third child with her estranged husband. The couple had decided to go their separate ways back in August. However, recent reports now suggest that the pair is looking at giving their relationship another chance. Fox and Green are not the only ones to take the reconciliation route after contemplating a divorce.
Been there done that
In recent years, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones announced their separation in August 2013. They went on to say that they were taking time off to “evaluate and work on their 13-year marriage”. This coming after Michael’s long cancer battle and Jones speaking about her struggle with bipolar disorder took many by surprise. Michael, however, did not give in easily, publicly admitting, “Sometimes people take a little bit of a break, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the end. I’m very hopeful.” And things did work out for the couple. They were soon attending events together within a few months and this was followed by the duo celebrating 15 years of marriage last November. And while the latter made it work, things may not always fall into place as in the case of Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon or more classically, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s love affair that only turned more toxic. So does a trial separation really work? And who should consider it? We got a relationship expert to break it down for us.
‘Trial separation can work if your relationship is not dysfunctional’
Clinical psychologist/author, Seema Hingorrany, says, “Trial separation is an option for couples who don’t have a dysfunctional marriage with physical,verbal and emotional abuse. Rather, they are most likely to have compatibility issues, an emotional disconnect, misunderstandings in marriage or issues due to extra martial affairs. Often, the issues also revolve around joint family problems.”
Why it makes sense to take a break from each other
According to Seema, a trial separation at times provides a healthy premise to introspect on ones marital issues and process them calmly. The space also increases value for each other, one can realise how life is going to be now without each other. It also gives one time to sort out their own past, personal emotional baggage.
And while not everyone can succeed the second time around. If there are any doubts and if a temporary separation has led you to believe you can make things work, it makes sense to go back, study the issues that caused the problems in the first place and try to resolve them together first, so that you can start afresh again.
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 "VMegan Fox and Brian Austin Green")
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