Separation and divorce can be life changing events. Dealing with heartache can take time and effort as well as support from people who are close. On the positive, if the individuals involved did not fully align, a separation allows them to pursue their own goals without being potentially held back by their partner.
Long relationships inevitably experience arguments and negative emotional experiences which can build up and break down the well-being of developed romantic bonds. Some key factors in staying together are thought to be strong feelings of friendship with a partner, goal alignment, and maintaining the other's interest. How partners deal with arguments can also predict the likeliness of a relationship dissolving.
Separation also has real physiological consequences. The brain chemicals oxytocin, dopamine, and vasopressin, amongst others, can take a toll on emotional and mental wellness. Relationship and grief counseling can both be beneficial for individuals and partners going through these painful, but common, emotional roller coaster experiences.
If a separation does result in a divorce, it is important to have a good attorney or legal counsel to protect each individual's interest so as no one gets taken advantage of out of bad feelings.