Feeling Like “Just Roommates” in Marriage? How to Divorce with Dignity and Reclaim Your Life

One of the most common — yet often hidden — reasons people consider divorce is feeling like they’re “just roommates” with their spouse. There’s no abuse, no explosive fights, but there’s also no passion, no connection. Just an unyielding, empty space. For many, this lack of intimacy and excitement brings shame, leaving them questioning if their marriage is truly worth leaving.

best divorce coach talks about 'roommate syndrome

But this scenario is more common than you might think. As a divorce coach, I’ve encountered countless individuals grappling with these same feelings, unsure if their situation “counts” as a valid reason for divorce. The truth is, feeling alone in a marriage is not unusual, and you deserve support if you’re contemplating such a significant life change.

Let’s take a closer look at why this happens, what a divorce coach can do to help, and how my course, “Trail Guide to Divorcing with Dignity,” provides a private, comprehensive path forward if you’re ready to take that step.

The “Roommate” Cycle: How Marriage Can Drift Toward Disconnection

The path to feeling like “just roommates” often follows a predictable cycle:

  1. The Early Years: When you first marry, life is fresh and new. Small annoyances feel manageable, and you make plans for the future. You decide to have children, build a home together, and create a shared life.
  2. The Strain of Parenthood and Routine: Parenthood, work, and day-to-day responsibilities can take a toll. You may find that the small annoyances grow and pile up, becoming sources of resentment. Instead of being addressed, they’re brushed aside.
  3. Half-Hearted Counseling Attempts: One partner might suggest counseling. Often, there’s resistance or, if both do attend, one partner might feel attacked and retreat even further. Without true commitment to change, any progress slips back into “nothing.”
  4. Emotional Withdrawal: Over time, the disconnection grows. You both learn to “put on a show” in public, but at home, there’s little to no communication. Eventually, one partner realizes that divorce is likely the only way to reclaim a sense of self.
  5. Surprise and Blame: When the unhappy partner finally broaches divorce, the other partner is often surprised. Despite the years of apathy, blame and guilt frequently fall on the partner who speaks up.

Breaking the Cycle: How Divorce Coaching Can Help

What does a Divorce Coach do?

If you find yourself in this place, working with a divorce coach can be a transformative step. A divorce coach provides you with emotional support, practical strategies, and a clear path through the often-overwhelming divorce process. A divorce coach helps you work through questions, fears, and logistics so you can move forward with confidence and dignity.​

Think of me as your Trail Guide

As a divorce coach, I guide clients to assess whether they’re truly ready for divorce and provide tools to manage the emotional and financial challenges that come with it. In many cases, my clients feel relief knowing that their feelings are not only valid but also shared by others. Divorce coaching can demystify the process, allowing you to make informed decisions without fear or shame.

“Trail Guide to Divorcing with Dignity”: A Divorce Course That Puts You in Control

For those who feel uncomfortable speaking openly about their situation or need a more flexible, affordable option, I’ve created the “Trail Guide to Divorcing with Dignity” course. This divorce course is designed specifically for individuals who want to take control of their divorce journey discreetly and on their own terms.

How the “Trail Guide to Divorcing with Dignity” Course Can Help:

  1. Privacy and Accessibility: The course allows you to explore all aspects of divorce privately, without needing to discuss it with friends or family. It’s an ideal solution if you’re not ready to share your plans publicly.
  2. Clear, Actionable Steps: “Trail Guide to Divorcing with Dignity” provides a roadmap to manage the complexities of divorce, from handling finances to finding the right legal representation. This divorce course is broken down into manageable steps so you can move forward with clarity.
  3. Emotional Resilience: Divorce isn’t just a legal process; it’s an emotional journey. This course offers resources to help you process the emotions surrounding divorce, giving you tools to maintain dignity and strength.

   4. Long-Term Financial PlanningStaying in an unfulfilling marriage can entangle your   finances further. The course helps you understand the financial implications of divorce and guides you on planning for a stable, fresh start.

If You’re Ready, Don’t Wait—Start Planning for Your Future

Remaining in a marriage that feels empty not only limits your emotional fulfillment but can also complicate your finances and delay your chance to rebuild a life you love. Whether you’re ready to start the process or just beginning to consider it, support is available. I offer free 30 minute consultations to begin conversations about what the divorce process might look like. If time and budget are a big concern, please check out my Trail Guide to Divorcing with Dignity. This divorce course is structured to give you every tool you need, while the option for divorce coaching provides additional, personalized support. 

No matter what your situation, remember that your feelings are valid. Divorce coaching and the right tools can help you navigate the journey ahead with strength and self-respect.

Prefer to work with a Divorce Coach One on One?

Schedule a Free Consultation Here!v

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Table of Contents

About Katie VAndenBerg

Katie makes her life as a Divorce Coach in Central Illinois surrounded by river valleys and prairie. Her days are spent helping her divorce clients, working with her tenants, tending to her gardens, hiking as often as possible, spending time on her pottery wheel and loving her family.

Looking for a specific divorce topic? Search here!

Radio Feature!

Hello!  It has been a busy summer at our house!  Between the kids being home, selling another small business, the constant cycle of work on

Read More »