This is just my opinion, but a separation is not a real separation unless one party moved out of the marital home.

I wouldn't want my separated partner living under the same roof as I was even if we were in separate bedrooms.

It would feel just too weird.

As for dating, if it were a trial separation, I think both parties should focus on their marital issues first and foremost. Dating others should be on the back burner since it would only complicate matters 100x more at this point.

A trial separation should be a period to reflect on whether you want to be with your spouse anymore, because of what they and the relationship do or do not add to your life. Not to figure out if there's someone you want to be with more than your spouse. If your mindset is the latter, you would never full recommit to your spouse anyway because you'd still be looking (since you can't prove a negative here), so you might as well just divorce.

If you want to start dating, it's time for a real separation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On behalf of all the single people out there, please don't date during a trial separation. You've got enough to do yo get your head straight, please don't drag someone else through it with you.

Why, what if it's just friendship with benefits?

95% of the time that's more complex than people think. Humans have emotions.

Anonymous wrote:I knew a couple who married really young, they were HS sweethearts. After 15 years together they went on trial separation, screwed everything that moved and got back together. Sometimes you just need to get this out of your system.

No, that's not trashy at all. </sarcasm>

I knew a couple who married really young, they were HS sweethearts. After 15 years together they went on trial separation, screwed everything that moved and got back together. Sometimes you just need to get this out of your system.

Don't call it a trial separation unless you are considering a reconciliation. If you know you are heading for divorce, it's just a separation. Neither one of you should date until you are divorced or very close to divorce. Considering dating while your current spouse is still living under the same roof is trashy.

And funny how the 1st thing on your mind before separating is something new to mess with.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On behalf of all the single people out there, please don't date during a trial separation. You've got enough to do yo get your head straight, please don't drag someone else through it with you.

Why, what if it's just friendship with benefits?

That is fine. But check with your lawyer and make sure he/she is aware.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On behalf of all the single people out there, please don't date during a trial separation. You've got enough to do yo get your head straight, please don't drag someone else through it with you.

Why, what if it's just friendship with benefits?

Yea, 'cause that never ends badly.

Anonymous wrote:On behalf of all the single people out there, please don't date during a trial separation. You've got enough to do yo get your head straight, please don't drag someone else through it with you.

Why, what if it's just friendship with benefits?

On behalf of all the single people out there, please don't date during a trial separation. You've got enough to do yo get your head straight, please don't drag someone else through it with you.

You can stay in the same house and separate bedrooms. You'll need to have someone witness this.

Dating? LOL. I'd probably wait until after the divorce. If you MUST date, then make sure it isn't with someone you met before the separation. It may not matter in court, but i'd be hesitant to date while separating.

Please explain to me this concept, especially how it works in VA. Does one of us need to move out or can we stay in separate bedrooms? Also, what about dating?