There’s a new relationship term, called “sledging,” that’s been making the news lately – and not in a good way.
“Sledging” is the term being used for people who are basically “dragging their partner along” through the holiday season just because they don’t want to spend the holidays alone, even though they may have decided as far back as August that their relationship wasn’t worth continuing.
Unfortunately, this term doesn’t just apply to couples in non-marital relationships. It has long been observed that there’s an uptick in new filings for divorce once the holiday season has passed, and your spouse could just be “sledging” you right now.
How can you tell?
While these signs don’t necessarily mean anything (especially if only one or two apply), they can be indicators that your spouse already has plans to leave after the first of the year:
- There’s been an abrupt end to the conflicts between you: The holiday season doesn’t magically make for a better marriage. If you were having marital troubles before the holiday season started, be wary if your spouse suddenly becomes agreeable and conforms to your wishes. They may just be going through the motions to keep the peace until January comes.
- They’ve become increasingly private or independent: Healthy relationships give each couple room for personal space, but if your spouse has suddenly become more secretive about their actions or is spending significantly more time “doing their own thing” than before, they may be taking the first steps toward crafting a life without you.
- They aren’t talking about a co-joined future: If your spouse seems firmly focused on the present and doesn’t engage when you try to talk about your plans for the summer family vacation or other future goals you may have, that’s a fairly clear signal that they no longer share your vision.
If you think that you may be the victim of “sledging” by your spouse, it may be smart to obtain legal guidance so that you fully understand what to expect, your rights and your options.