The emotional process of ending a marriage often begins years before a physical separation

Ending a marriage is a gradual social process rather than a sudden event, often beginning years before a physical move occurs. Sociologist Diane Vaughan’s 1986 theory of 'uncoupling' identifies a specific 'turning point' where one partner begins to build a life independent of the other. In 70% of cases, the initiator is the woman, who may experience emotional drift for up to three years while maintaining the outward appearance of the relationship.