The 5 Stages that lead to a Walkaway Wife : Donna’ story

Let’s talk about the walkaway wife stages. It’s the emotional journey many women go through before deciding to leave a marriage.

Donna never planned to walk away. But her story shows how this process unfolds, often without anyone realizing it.

Stage 1: Disconnection

Donna’s marriage didn’t fall apart overnight.

At first, she thought it was just a phase.

Life was hectic — work, kids, and endless responsibilities. She and her husband, Mike, stopped connecting the way they used to.

One night at dinner, Donna tried to start a conversation.

“How was work today?” she asked.

“Fine,” Mike replied, without even looking up from his phone.

That moment stuck with her. She felt invisible. She stopped trying after that.

Stage 2: Resentment Builds

Small things started piling up.

Forgotten anniversaries.

Unspoken appreciation.

The silence between them grew louder.

One evening, after a long day, Donna exploded over something minor. The dishes.