What really happens when a marriage begins to fall apart? In this episode, Dr. Becky Whetstone—author of I Think I Want Out—reveals the 5 predictable stages of a marriage crisis and how to know if you should stay, or move on with clarity.
Whether you’re unhappily married, newly separated, or years post-divorce, this conversation offers validation, strategy, and hope.
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways
The 5 stages of marriage decline (and how to spot them)
The roles of the “decider” vs. the “leaning in partner”
Why calming your nervous system is step one in a crisis
Practical tools for separation, co-parenting, and resilience
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 Intro
04:03 Understanding Marriage Crisis
07:31 The Five Stages of Marriage Deterioration
14:05 Roles in Marriage Crisis: Decider vs. Leaning In Partner
22:18 Understanding the Leaning In Partner's Instincts
26:03 The Importance of Managed Separation
29:51 Finding Strength in Self-Discovery
35:14 Embracing Authenticity in Relationships
40:50 Final Thoughts and Resources
🌟 Resources & Links
Join The Club (first stop for support):
Looking for your new divorce bestie? Join the Club for 24/7 support as you rebuild post-divorce.
Connect with Dr. Becky Whetstone:
Website: marriagecrisismanager.com
Instagram: @doctorbecky
Facebook: Relationship Crisis Manager
Book: I (Think) I Want Out
Connect with The Crazy Ex-Wives Club:
Instagram: @thecrazyexwivesclub
Facebook: The Crazy Ex-Wives Club
Website: thecrazyexwivesclub.com