The marriage rate in this country is 6.8 per 1,000 and is accentuated by the rate of divorce reaching 3.6 per 1,000. Statistics indicate 50% of first marriages end in divorce. The reasons for divorce are varied. The most frequently reported causes include infidelity, indifference, financial issues, sexual problems, and familial issues. Regardless of the precipitating factor(s), poor or absent communication underlies discontinued relationships. Some couples opt for separating, and often the purposes are not congruent between partners. Generally, one wants to resolve the issues and remain together, while the other is ready to end the marriage. For couples who choose to separate, the outcome is divorce in 79% of cases. Counseling a couple who are exchanging mixed messages raises the necessity to process with ...