For many couples, divorce is not something that strikes without warning. In the movies, it always seems like one spouse walks in on the other one in the midst of an affair or some other dramatic event. While this does happen, it is far more common for little things to cause the couple’s relationship to erode until they know it is just time to end it.

So, what are some signs that you may be getting closer to a divorce? They could include the following:

• It seems like you spend more time dealing with negative issues than enjoying the good that a marriage can bring. All couples have hard times, but it can be a problem if your marriage feels like nothing but difficulties.
• You often find yourself thinking about what it would be like to be single and just move on with your life. It is a fantasy of yours, the way some people fantasize about winning the lottery.
• You are trying to save the marriage or work through the issues, but your spouse is not. Remember, you may not be able to save your marriage on your own.
• You and your spouse do not have good communication skills. You never talk about things. You bottle them up inside. You may be trying to keep a fight from happening, but the problem is that refusing to talk means that issues never get solved and the situation just keeps getting worse.

Have you seen some of these issues in your own marriage? While you should never expect marriage to be perfect, you also need to know what red flags to watch out for. If your spouse files for divorce, make sure you are well aware of your legal rights.