What leads couples towards trial separation?
These are the commonest triggers: •The birth of a baby Particularly if it coincides with a dramatic change in career prospects and lifestyle. Says Zelda: ‘So often when couples have problems, it can be traced back to a new baby. In particular, if they both had high-powered jobs and one of them – usually the woman – gives hers up to care for the baby, the resentment can build until she gets to the point where she feels she cannot bear to be in the same room as her partner.’ • An affair ‘The person who didn’t have the affair may feel they cannot bear the pain of the betrayal, and feel they must insist on being apart,’ says Zelda. • Children leaving home This may leave a yawning gap causing couples to question whether they really know each other at all – and whether or not there is any merit in staying together. • Addiction ‘This is one situation where a trial separation may be the best option,’ advises Zelda. ‘Addictions to drink or drugs may literally make it impossible for the relation
