Experts say these are the red flags that may indicate you’re in a ‘silent divorce’

New York Post - Apr 29th, 2025

The concept of 'silent divorce' is gaining attention as experts highlight couples who remain legally married but are emotionally disconnected. Despite sharing a home and often presenting a united front for the sake of children or financial stability, these couples function more like roommates than romantic partners. Licensed mental health counselor Stephanie Moir explains that a lack of active effort in maintaining a marriage can lead to this emotional detachment. Relationship experts caution that even the absence of conflict, which might seem peaceful, can indicate a deeper estrangement. Justin Ho, a licensed professional counselor, suggests that fighting, although often seen as negative, can demonstrate an ongoing effort to communicate and resolve differences.

The implications of a silent divorce are significant, with experts advising affected couples to confront the issue head-on by initiating open and honest conversations. Psychotherapist Lisa Lavelle emphasizes that meaningful communication and vulnerability are crucial to bridging the emotional gap. Breaking the silence is regarded as the first step in either salvaging the relationship or deciding on a more definitive separation. The phenomenon underscores the importance of emotional intimacy in marriage and suggests that appearances can be deceiving, as social media portrayals may not reflect the true state of a couple's relationship.

Marriage Silent Divorce Emotional Disconnect Stephanie Moir Lisa Lavelle Justin Ho Relationship Counseling

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RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and informative exploration of the concept of silent divorce, supported by credible expert insights. Its strengths lie in its clarity, readability, and relevance to public interest, offering practical advice for individuals navigating relationship challenges. However, the article could benefit from a more diverse range of perspectives and empirical data to enhance its balance and accuracy. While it effectively raises awareness of an important issue, its impact is somewhat limited by the lack of broader societal implications or controversy. Overall, the article serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to understand and address silent divorce, but it could be strengthened by incorporating additional perspectives and data.

Accuracy

The article accurately describes the phenomenon of 'silent divorce,' aligning with established definitions that emphasize emotional and mental disconnection while maintaining a shared household. Statements from experts such as Stephanie Moir and Lisa Lavelle are consistent with professional insights into relationship dynamics. However, the article lacks specific statistical data or studies to quantify the prevalence of silent divorces, which would enhance its factual precision. Additionally, the claim that fighting indicates caring could benefit from more empirical support or references to psychological research.

Balance

The article primarily presents perspectives from relationship experts, which provides a professional view on the topic. However, it lacks input from individuals who have experienced silent divorce, which could offer a more balanced view. Additionally, the article could explore alternative perspectives, such as cultural or societal factors influencing the phenomenon. While it effectively covers the expert viewpoint, the absence of diverse perspectives limits the depth of the discussion.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, accessible language. It effectively explains the concept of silent divorce and the signs associated with it, making it easy for readers to understand. The logical flow from identifying the problem to suggesting solutions is well-executed, and the tone remains neutral and informative throughout. This clarity ensures that the information is easily digestible for a general audience.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including licensed mental health counselors and psychotherapists, which enhances its reliability. These professionals are well-qualified to comment on relationship dynamics, lending authority to the claims made. However, the article relies heavily on a single outlet, CNN, for its expert quotes. Including a broader range of sources or studies would strengthen the article's credibility and provide a more comprehensive view of the topic.

Transparency

The article provides clear attributions to the experts quoted, enhancing transparency. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology behind the experts' insights or any potential conflicts of interest. For instance, the article could benefit from explaining how the experts' conclusions were reached or whether their observations are backed by empirical research. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the article's credibility and help readers understand the basis of the claims.