This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
With eight years of marriage under her belt, one woman is struggling to keep the spark alive. Her husband is a good guy, but their relationship has been feeling stale for a while.
She's been messaging an old flame from university, who's in a similar situation with his girlfriend. They've been flirting and discussing meeting up when the lockdown ends.
But is this old flame a genuine opportunity for a new relationship, or is she simply seeing what she wants to see in a romantic partner?
Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint, and it's normal to go through peaks and troughs. The woman's husband is a great dad, but they've been feeling under pressure with kids, work, and financial woes.
Before jumping ship, the woman might consider couples counseling to work on their problems and see if there's a way forward. This could also give her a pathway to separation if needed.
It's worth noting that reconnecting with old friends during lockdown can be a bubble that will eventually burst. The woman should be cautious not to idealize her old flame or their potential relationship.
Ultimately, the woman needs to decide what's best for her and her family. If she tries to work on her marriage and it still doesn't work, she can walk away knowing she gave it her all.
