27 Positive Signs During Separation (2024) & How To Move Forward

No one enters into a marriage thinking that it will eventually fall apart. Unfortunately, due to various reasons, many marriages end up in separation.

And when a marriage falls apart, it feels like the end of the world. The pain and grief that comes with separation can be overwhelming.

However, even though things seem bleak, there is still hope for reconciliation. This is why it’s important to look for positive signs that may indicate reconciliation is still possible.

Hence this article! This article will explore 27 positive signs during separation and how to move forward.

Here’s what you’ll learn!

Contents hide

Let’s get right into it.

Can Separation Save a Marriage?

Yes and No.

According to divorce statistics, only 13% of couples who separate reconcile.

So, the odds are not great.

But that doesn’t mean you should give up hope! Just because the statistics aren’t in your favor doesn’t mean your separation can’t have a positive outcome.

In some instances, separation can be positive.

Separation can be positive because it allows both parties to take a step back, assess the situation, and figure out what they want.

It also gives both parties some much-needed space to work on themselves. Often, when people are in unhappy marriages, they tend to neglect their needs and focus solely on their partner, which leads to resentment and further unhappiness.

However, separation isn’t always positive. Sometimes, it can be a way for one party to end the relationship without going through the hassle of getting a divorce.

So, how do you know if separation is positive or negative in your situation?

The answer lies in looking for positive signs during separation. If you see these positive signs, it’s likely that reconciliation is still possible.

Positive Signs During Separation

27 Positive Signs During Separation

#1. You Still Talk About Your Emotions and Feelings

One of the first positive signs during separation is that you and your partner are still talking about your emotions and feelings.

Some couples find it challenging to communicate their emotions, but it’s a good sign that reconciliation is possible if you’re still doing it.

This is because talking about your emotions puts both of you in a vulnerable position, making it easier to fall in love again. It also shows that you’re both willing to work on your relationship and figure out what went wrong.

#2. You Keep Communicating During Separation

Are you and your separated wife or husband on talking terms? If you’re, that’s a good sign.

Some couples find it difficult to communicate during separation. However, if you’re still doing it, It shows that you’re both still interested in the relationship and want to keep things amicable.

Even if you’re only communicating occasionally, it’s still a positive sign. It shows that you’re willing to talk to each other and figure out what’s happening.

And it doesn’t have to be deep communication.

If your spouse occasionally checks in on you or shares their achievements with you, it’s still a positive sign.

Of course, it’s essential to have more than just surface-level communication. But if you’re still talking to each other, it’s a good sign that reconciliation is possible.

Related: Signs Of An Emotionally Mature Man

#3. You’re Able To Identify the Real Issue

Another positive sign that reconciliation is imminent is that you can identify the real issue behind your separation.

This is a huge step because it means you’re willing to look at the problem and figure out what went wrong.

If you can identify what’s been eating away at your marriage, it’ll be much easier to figure out how to fix it. And once you know how to fix it, reconciliation will be much closer.

But if you’re not sure what the real issue is, here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • What’s been bothering you for a long time?
  • What did your separated husband or wife do that made you want to separate in the first place?
  • What’s been missing from your marriage?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be one step closer to identifying the real issue. And once you’ve done that, reconciliation will be within reach.

#4. You’ve Both Started Working on Your Problems

If you and your separated wife or husband have started working on your problems, that’s a positive sign. It means you’re both willing to face the issues head-on and figure out how to fix them.

There are many ways to start working on your problems.

You can go to therapy, read books about marriage, start fixing your financial problems, or even just talk to each other about what’s been happening in your separate lives.

But the important thing is that you’re both taking active steps to improve yourselves.

#5. You Talk About Good Memories You Had in Your Marriage

Another positive sign during separation is that nostalgia hits both of you hard.

If you and your spouse find yourselves talking about the good memories you had together, it’s a positive sign. It means that you’re both thinking about the happy times you shared and why you fell in love in the first place.

This is a good sign because it shows that you don’t harbor negative emotions towards each other. And if you can remember why you fell in love, it’ll be easier to fall back in love.

Of course, good memories alone aren’t enough to reconcile a marriage. But they’re a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

positive signs to look for during separation
Photo by Katerina Holmes from Pexels

#6. Your Separated Spouse is Flirting With You

If your separated wife or husband is flirting with you, it’s a positive sign. It means that they still find you attractive and want to rekindle the physical side of your relationship.

And if you can reignite the physical intimacy in your relationship, it’ll be easier to fall back in love.

Of course, you shouldn’t read too much into it if your spouse is flirting with you. They could just be trying to make you jealous or get a reaction from you. Or maybe you’re just reading their body language wrong. 

But if they’re genuinely flirting with you, it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

#7. You Express Gratitude To Each Other

If you and your separated spouse are expressing gratitude to each other, it’s a positive sign.

It means that you’re both still thinking good things about each other and appreciate each other despite the problems in your marriage. And if you can remember the good things about each other, it’ll be easier to fall back in love.

Of course, gratitude alone isn’t enough to reconcile a marriage. But it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

#8. You’ve Both Eliminated Your Career Stressors 

One of the reasons why couples opt for separation is that they cannot give their marriage the attention it deserves due to external factors such as career stressors.

However, once these career stressors are eliminated, it becomes easier for the couple to reconcile.

So, if you and your spouse have eliminated your career stressors, it’s a positive sign. It means you’re both ready to focus on your relationship and make things work.

#9. You’re Curious About Each Other

Do you still talk to your partner about your hopes, dreams, and fears? Are you still curious about your separated spouse’s life? Is your separated husband or wife still curious about your life?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then it’s a positive sign.

It means that you’re both still interested in each other and want to understand each other better. And if you can understand and empathize with each other, it’ll be easier to fall back in love.

Of course, curiosity alone isn’t enough to reconcile a marriage. But it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

Separation positive signs
Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas from Pexels

#10. Acceptance That You’re Human and Make Mistakes

If you and your spouse can accept that you’re both human and make mistakes, it’s a positive sign.

By accepting that you’re both human, you stop the blame game and sympathize with each other’s life struggles. This is a good sign because it shows that you’re both willing to understand and empathize with each other.

And if you can understand and empathize with each other, it’ll be easier to fall back in love.

Of course, acceptance alone isn’t enough to reconcile a marriage. But it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

#11. Your Spouse is Jealous of Your Possible New Romantic Interest

If your spouse is jealous of your possible new romantic interests, it’s a positive sign.

It means they still care about you and don’t want to see you with someone else. This is a good sign because it shows that there’s still love between you.

However, this doesn’t mean that you should start dating other people in a bid to make your partner jealous. That would just be childish and immature.

But if you get a genuine romantic interest and notice that your partner starts acting jealous once they find out, it could be a vital sign that they’d want to reconcile with you.

Related: Ways To Heal – My Ex Is Dating Someone Else Already And It Hurts

#12. You Started Discussing Your Needs With One Another Again

If you and your spouse have started discussing your needs with one another again, it’s a positive sign.

It means that you’re both still interested in meeting each other’s needs and are willing to work together to make things work. And if you can understand and empathize with each other, it’ll be easier to fall back in love.

Of course, discussing your needs alone isn’t enough to reconcile a marriage. But it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

#13. Your Separated Spouse Actively Follows You on Social Media

If your ex actively follows you on social media and leaves comments on your posts and images, it’s a positive sign.

It means they’re still interested in your life and want to stay updated on what’s happening with you. This is a good sign because it shows that there’s still some level of care and concern.

Related: Should I Block My Ex? Pros & Cons

#14. You’re Spending More Time Together

Of all the positive signs during separation discussed in this article, this is perhaps one of the most common in couples that are about to reconcile

When a couple goes through a separation, they spend less and less time together.

If you and your ex are starting to spend more time together, it’s a positive sign that reconciliation may be possible. Of course, you’ll still need to work on rebuilding trust and communication, but spending more time together is a good start.

Spending time together is an excellent way to start rebuilding trust and communication. It also allows you to get to know each other again and remember why you fell in love in the first place.

#15. You’re Still Each Other’s Confidantes

If you and your ex are still each other’s confidantes, it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

When people are separated, they rarely talk to each other, let alone be each other’s confidant.

However, if you find that you and your spouse still confide in each other even after you separated, it’s a good sign that you could still get back together.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should start confiding in your ex about your current relationship or other sensitive topics. But it’s a positive sign that you’re the first person they always come to with positive news. 

#16. You Start Noticing Positive Changes in Your Spouse

This doesn’t mean that your separated spouse has changed overnight. But if you notice positive changes, it’s a good sign that they’re willing to change for the better.

Some positive changes you might see include:

  • Your ex is more patient with you.
  • They are more communicative with you.
  • They start trying to spend more time with you.
  • Your spouse is putting more effort into improving their health.

#17. You Both Miss Each Other

Absence makes the heart fonder.

If that’s the case with you and your spouse, it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

When you’re apart, you start to miss the good things about your spouse. You might even begin to remember why you fell in love with them in the first place.

If you find yourself missing your ex, it’s a good sign that reconciliation is possible.

Positive signs during separation
Photo by Brett Jordan from Pexels

Related: Does My Ex Miss Me? Clear Signs

#18. When you Notice That Your Separated Wife or Husband Cares for You and You also Care for Them

If your partner is showing persistent signs that they care for you even after a couple of months of separation, it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

Couples who are going through a separation often stop caring for each other. However, if your partner is still showing signs of care, it’s a good sign that they still have feelings for you.

Of course, taking these signs with a grain of salt is essential. Your partner might just be trying to get your attention. But if you notice that your partner still cares for you, it’s a positive sign that they might still want to be with you.

#19. You Develop an Understanding for Each Other

It’s common for people to demonize their ex during a separation or breakup. After all, it’s much easier to cope with the pain if we can convince ourselves that our former partner is a bad person.

However, if you find yourself understanding your ex’s point of view, it could be a sign that you’re ready to reconcile. Try to converse with them (outside of any legal proceedings) and see where it goes.

It’s also important to understand that just because you develop an understanding for your separated spouse doesn’t mean you have to take them back. It could simply signify that you’ve processed the breakup and are ready to move on.

#20. Your Spouse Asks Your Friends About You

If your spouse asks mutual friends about you, it’s a good sign they’re thinking about you. They wouldn’t be making inquiries if you weren’t in their mind.

Of course, you shouldn’t get too ahead of yourself. It’s possible that your spouse is just trying to satisfy their curiosity and has no intention of reconciling. But it’s still a positive sign that they’re thinking about you.

If you want to take things a step further, you could reach out to your spouse directly and see where the conversation goes.

#21. Your Spouse Keeps In Touch With Your Extended Family

If your spouse still keeps in touch with your family members, it’s a good sign that they want to maintain a relationship with you.

After all, why would they bother staying in touch with your family if they didn’t want to keep in touch with you?

Of course, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes people stay in touch with extended family for practical reasons (e.g., they live close by). But if there’s no practical reason for your spouse to keep in touch with your family, it’s a positive sign that reconciliation could be in the future for you.

#22. You Start Discussing Each Other’s Boundaries

If you and your separated spouse start discussing each other’s boundaries, it’s a good sign that you’re both ready to move forward.

It shows that you’re willing to communicate openly and honestly about what you need from the relationship. This doesn’t mean that reconciliation is guaranteed. But it’s a positive step in the right direction.

Positive signs that indicate reconciliation
Photo by Keira Burton from Pexels

#23. You Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations and Start Looking Ahead

Another positive sign that things may be heading in the right direction is when you start to look ahead.

You and your separated husband or wife stop talking about the past, have let go of unrealistic expectations,  and start thinking about the future. You begin to make plans and look forward to positive experiences again.

This is a great sign that you’re moving on from the negative aspects of your relationship and are ready to start rebuilding your future together.

#24. You’ve Forgiven Each Other

If you’ve forgiven your spouse (or they’ve forgiven you), it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

It shows that you’re willing to let go of the anger and hurt from the past and move on to a better future.

Of course, forgiveness doesn’t always happen overnight. It can take time for people to work through their feelings and reach a place of forgiveness. But if you’re both moving in that direction, it’s a positive sign for the future of your relationship.

#25. Animosity is Replaced With Empathy

If hate is replaced with empathy, it’s a good sign that reconciliation is possible.

It shows that you’re willing to understand each other’s perspectives and work together to find a resolution. This doesn’t mean that all your problems will magically disappear. But it’s a positive step in the right direction.

Empathy is one of the most essential ingredients in a successful relationship. Without it, couples often find themselves stuck in a cycle of blame and resentment. But with empathy, couples can move past their differences and find a place of understanding and respect.

#26.  The Chemistry and Sexual Intimacy is Still Alive

This is one of the most positive signs that reconciliation is possible.

It shows that you still have strong feelings for each other and that your relationship is worth fighting for.

Of course, this doesn’t mean everything will be smooth sailing from here on out.

You’ll still have to work hard to rebuild your relationship. But if you’re both willing to put in the effort, it’s a positive sign that reconciliation is possible.

Related:  Signs He Wants You Badly Sexually

#27. When None of You Is Dating Anyone Else

If you and your former spouse are both single and not dating anyone, it’s a positive sign that reconciliation may be on the horizon.

This means that neither of you has moved on emotionally or physically, giving you a clean slate to work with. What’s more, it also means that there’s no one else vying for either of your attention, so you can focus on rebuilding your relationship.

Of course, this positive sign doesn’t mean that reconciliation is guaranteed – but it’s a good start.

Positive signs to look out for during seperation
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

FAQs About Positive Signs During Separation

What Should I Not Do During Separation?

You should avoid doing certain things during separation if you want to improve your chances of reconciliation. These include

  •  Badmouthing your spouse to mutual friends or family members
  • Posting negativity about your marriage on social media.
  • Spying on your spouse or snooping through their things.
  •  Forcing reconciliation

What Does Separation Mean For The Future of My Marriage?

Separation doesn’t necessarily mean that your marriage is over. It can be a positive step in the right direction if you’re both willing to work on your relationship.

However, separation can also signify that your marriage is in trouble. If you’re unsure what the future holds, it’s best to speak to a family therapist or counselor who can help you assess your relationship and plan for moving forward.

How Long Does The Average Separation Last?

The average length of separation is about six to eight months, but this can vary depending on the couple.

If you’re both committed to reconciling, you may find that your separation is shorter than average. However, if you’re unsure if reconciliation is possible, your separation may last longer.

Ultimately, the length of your separation will depend on your individual situation.

Any Further Questions

There you go.

Twenty-seven positive signs during separation. I hope this list helped you decipher any signs you may have noticed with your separated husband or wife.

Which of these signs have you noticed in your partner? Do you know of any other positive signs during separation? Do you know of any negative signs to look out for during separation? Please tell us in the comment section below.

And if you have any questions regarding the signs you may have noticed in your partner, please ask in the comment section below.

About The Author

Bijan Kholghi is a certified life coach with the Milton Erickson Institute Heidelberg (Germany). He helps clients and couples reach breakthroughs in their lives by changing subconscious patterns. His solution-oriented approach is based on Systemic- and Hypnotherapy.

Bijan