If your marriage feels like it is on shaky ground, can a summer retreat with your spouse or a family vacation rekindle the romance?
Maybe. A University of Washington study indicates there’s a consistent spike in divorce rates every August. That indicates a lot of couples reach their breaking point right as summer ends. While summer vacations offer couples a chance to escape the routine of daily life and reconnect, they can also unearth underlying tensions and bring conflicts to a boiling point.
Here’s how summer vacation can push you and your spouse closer together
One of the biggest advantages of summer vacation is the chance for couples to spend quality time together without the distractions of work and other obligations. This can lead to:
- Better communication: Vacation provides an ideal setting for open communication and meaningful conversations. Away from the stressors of everyday life, couples may find it easier to discuss important topics, make plans for the future and address any unresolved issues.
- Adventure and shared experiences: Trying new activities and exploring unfamiliar places can create lasting memories and deepen the connection between partners and strengthen marital bonds.
- Stress relief: Sometimes couples in crisis discover that they’re really just burnt out from the daily grind. Vacation helps them see what needs to change.
How summer vacation can be the death knell for a marriage
Unfortunately, all that togetherness can prove to be fatal for relationships that are hopelessly fractured due to:
- Unrealistic expectations: High expectations for the perfect vacation can lead to disappointment if things don’t go as planned.
- Ideological approaches: Differences in preferences for activities, accommodations or budget can reveal fundamental flaws in the relationship itself.
- Close quarters and conflict: Spending extended periods of time together in close quarters can amplify existing conflicts or bring new issues to the surface. Differences in communication styles, personal habits or decision-making can escalate.
If you’re unsure whether your marriage will last the summer, it may be time to seek legal guidance so that you fully understand your options.