People change and grow continuously through their own story arc. When two people first meet and fall in love, their arcs, at that moment in time, intersect. From that point forth, people need to make the decision whether they will work to keep their arcs aligned or whether they will follow their own arcs.

With either decision, they can stay in a mutually loving marriage. If they choose to keep their arcs alike, they will have to work hard by compromising and making concessions. As major life events unfold, each person will learn more about themselves and their partner. The couple will need to grow together with understanding.

Should the couple follow their own unique story arcs, each may be more fulfilled spiritually. But each person will need to be satisfied with not spending as much time or sharing as much life with their partner. If both parties are mutually agreeable and support each other through their individual growth, then each person can reach their maximum potential.

In the first scenario, the partners may decide the changes and compromises involved in keeping the relationship going are too much. They may feel that the trade-off is not fulfilling their needs. They may decide they need to continue on their individual story arc unimpeded.

In the second scenario, the two partners’ paths may spread so far apart it is no longer feasible to call their partnership a marriage.

Both scenarios can be successful if all involved are willing to work on communication and growth. Understanding and empathy will give the relationship a chance. And sometimes a neutral third party is required to help see situations clearly.

Some say divorce is easy. It is not. Divorce is hard, not just on the couple, but also on the children, the family, and the community.