When relationship begins to take an ugly shape, and in spite of all your efforts the misunderstanding and qualms continue to persist and takes its stand, the easiest way out is separation, which is usually termed as the prelude to divorce. When we talk of separation, it is usually a phase or an interval to assess the relationship between husband and wife.

Sometimes, both individuals need their own space to think and make decisions on certain issues concerning their relationship, whether its going to work out or not. Sometimes separating for a brief period gives the couple enough breathing space, to see their relationship from a better perspective which helps them in straightening out the issues that has been a big ordeal for both of them.

However, bringing about such kind of resolution through separation rarely occurs. Very often separation instead, of giving time to the couple to think about bringing a reconciliation, widens the gap between them which ultimately leads to separation. So, before going in for a separation it is very important to introspect oneself whether you are truly ready to go for it and face all the consequences whatever it may be.

Here are some questions which might help you probe yourself and figure out whether you should separate or not:

1) The first and foremost thing that you should be very sure about yourself is whether you are still in love with your spouse or not. If your love for him has died away and you don’t have any more feelings and respect for him then there is no point in trying to work out your marriage. So, the sooner you walk out the better.

2) Have you made up your mind that you want a divorce or you simply want to live separately till things calm down and you are in a better position to face and solve it? If it is just that you simply want some space then sit down and discuss it with your spouse. It might save you from the pangs of living separately when things could have been discussed and settled easily.

3) If you want to separate, then think about it whether you want to separate legally or not. If you go in for legal separation, then how will your spouse think of it and consider it. Whether he would take it as a step moving towards getting separated or not.

4) Have you thought about your children, whom your actions will hurt the most both psychologically and emotionally, which may diminish your chance of getting the child custody.

5) Have you and your spouse given everything to your relationship to save it? Sometimes, it happens that just for a mild altercation and a slight misunderstanding, both the husband and wife decide to separate, which if the couple had put in a little effort, could have saved it.

So, probe over the matter seriously and see if there is any other option that can save you and your relationship and not to forget your children from the bitterness of separation. The panorama of divorce is a nightmare which no one wants to experience it, so if a little changes in you or the behavior of your spouse can bring about fresh vibes to you relationship, then why waste your effort.