How to Ask a Wife for a Separation

Asking your wife for a separation can be tricky, especially if you've been together for a long time or have children or real estate together. If you're planning to ask your wife for a separation, there are a few things that you can do to make the separation request discussion go a little bit more smoothly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Be honest. While you may be inclined to spare your wife's feelings, you aren't doing anyone any good by lying about your intentions. Be honest if you don't have any feelings for her anymore, but don't tell her right away about any marital indiscretions that have led you to ask for a separation. Keep that for another time.
2. Give her a fair share. If you ask your wife for a separation, the least you can do is give her half of all your joint belongings. Have a list of the things you want to keep, and be willing to negotiate if the need arises. It isn't worth getting into a huge fight over the television, so keep your eye on the bigger picture and let her have it if she really wants it.
3. Offer (and really mean it) to help her out financially until she gets on her feet. If your wife doesn't have a paying job, or can't pay for rent or mortgage on her own, you may have to help her financially for a few months until she can get on her feet. Even if you don't have romantic feelings for her anymore, it doesn't mean that you have to be mean or leave her out on the street.