Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s ambiguous separation sparks ‘Walkaway Wife Syndrome’

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith have been married for over 25 years and are considered one of the power couples in Hollywood—even though they had lots of ups and downs in their marriage in recent years, like any other married couple, they were still an inspiration to many. Until recently, when Jada Pinkett-Smith revealed that they have been living separately since 2016. However, she mentioned that they both are not ready for a divorce. This revelation naturally raised many eyebrows and fuelled discussions about the classic ‘Walkaway Wife Syndrome’—a situation in which women often feel disconnected from their husbands and may also reach a point where they don’t think that their marriage is going to work anymore.

So, let’s delve deeper to understand what exactly ‘Walkaway Wife Syndrome’ means and what are some warning signs you should look for in your marriage.

What is ‘Walkaway Wife Syndrome’?

‘Walkaway Wife Syndrome’ generally means a situation where a woman abruptly decides to leave her marriage, because she thinks nothing can fix their relationship, and often initiates a divorce. This is also known as ‘Neglected Wife Syndrome’ or ‘Sudden Divorce Syndrome’.

Even though on the surface level it seems like the woman has decided this in the spur of the moment, it’s often a reaction to the long-term unresolved issues in the marriage. These issues can range from something as serious as infidelity, emotional unavailability, frequent clashes over core values or sometimes, the couple just gradually grows apart. There are infinite reasons for a marriage to go wrong and it differs from relationship to relationship, but what matters is the willingness of both individuals to work on themselves to save the marriage. However, when one person in this partnership, the wife in this particular case, thinks that their marriage is beyond repair, they usually walk away from the marriage.

10 Warning signs to watch out for in your marriage: 

She has become emotionally distant
In the ‘Walkaway Wife Syndrome’, the wife, who used to freely share her feelings, thoughts or anything for that matter with her husband, suddenly stops doing it because she doesn’t feel emotionally comfortable with him anymore. She gradually becomes emotionally reserved and even stops being her usual self around her husband. This is an important sign of 'Walkaway Wife Syndrome' and should not be overlooked.

She has stopped complaining 
In 'Walkaway Wife Syndrome', it’s very common that your wife might stop complaining about the issues or things which used to bother her previously. You might not even notice this as a sign, because you are relieved that you no longer hear her complaints. However, it can mean that your wife has given up on you or that particular issue and doesn’t want to fix it anymore, as she is tired of repetitive conversations. This is concerning as it may signify her unwillingness to put effort into the marriage and is a clear sign of ‘Walkaway Wife Syndrome’.

You two fight over almost anything 
When it comes to long-term unresolved issues in the marriage, there are only two possibilities—either the wife stops complaining completely or you two will make each other’s lives hell by arguing and fighting over everything. If you and your wife cannot find common ground on any matter, irrespective of how big or small, it can lead to frustration and a lack of mutual understanding between the two of you. If these issues continue, it can ultimately lead to divorce and is a clear warning sign of 'Walkaway Wife Syndrome'.

Sexual intimacy is reduced 
One of the most significant signs of 'Walkaway Wife Syndrome' is the absence of sex. If your wife avoids physical contact with you or is mostly disinterested in the sex, it’s a crucial sign you shouldn’t ignore. Physical intimacy is as important as emotional intimacy in any relationship, especially in the marriage. It brings the husband and wife together in every aspect and helps build a stronger bond. When that starts to lack, it reflects deeper issues such as distrust, discomfort, and absence of emotional connection in the marriage. 

Your marriage has lost the spark 
With all the romantic dates, flowers, and gifts, the initial period of the marriage is undoubtedly beautiful and exciting. However, as time goes by, things become monotonous and boring. If you feel you and your wife don’t spend much time in each other’s company anymore or off lately there hasn’t really been an intimate conversation between you two, because your wife doesn’t want to or always seems disinterested, then there’s a chance your marriage is on the verge of losing the charm. This can be a sign of 'Walkaway Wife Syndrome' which needs to be addressed.

She has stopped being herself around you
If you observe that your partner’s behaviour has noticeably changed around you, maybe it’s their body language or the way they speak to you, it’s easy to tell that they’re not being themselves. This could be a sign of ‘Walkaway Wife Syndrome’ and can include examples like them trying to ignore you, reduced interactions, going completely silent or even leaving the room when you enter. By this behaviour, it’s obvious that they are no longer comfortable around you. Physical as well as emotional discomfort in any relationship drifts apart the individuals involved and is definitely a sign which should not be overlooked.

There’s no trust between you two
Trust is the foundation of any marriage. When it’s lacking, it completely shakes the marriage as there isn’t any scope for the relationship to grow. The feeling of distrust can stem from the lack of emotional comfort, communication or respect in the marriage. Once the trust is broken, it’s difficult to rebuild it. 

Communication is drastically reduced 
A significant sign of ‘Walkaway Wife Syndrome’ is that your wife goes noticeably silent in the marriage. You observe that you two communicate only when it’s necessary and have stopped engaging in casual conversations. This can be a sign that your marriage has gone beyond repair and she doesn’t want to make it work anymore.

She’s become more defensive 
'Walkaway Wife Syndrome' talks about a situation where the wife doesn’t see any point in salvaging the marriage and silently wants to walk away from it. In such sensitive situations, when irreparable damage is done, every simple question that you throw at your wife is going to make her feel like a direct attack on her, and she’ll feel the need to defend herself. It’s a tricky situation where your wife might take offense to everything that you say. 

How to deal with it?

Evaluate the situation
Before jumping to any conclusions, you need to assess the situation. Try to understand the pattern of your wife’s behaviour and the root cause of it. It’s possible that her changed behaviour is a reaction to your actions. So, maybe you should introspect and try to work on yourself before initiating any conversation with her.

Give her some space
Sometimes, your wife might distance herself from you because she is feeling overwhelmed and needs some time to process her emotions. In such a situation, it’s best if you give her some space rather than bombard her with questions. Give her some time to get clarity about her feelings.

Have a clear discussion with her 
It’s always better to have a clear and direct conversation with your wife regarding the situation rather than assuming. You should encourage her to express her concerns and make sure you are communicating yours as well. A healthy conversation can actually be helpful for both of you.

Seek help from a marriage counsellor 
Sometimes, it becomes difficult for two individuals to navigate their feelings and might require help from an external source. In such cases, keep an open mind about seeking help from a professional like a marriage counsellor, as they might provide helpful insights and can assist with solutions for underlying relationship issues.

Opt for separation/divorce as a last resort
As unfortunate as it may sound, sometimes both individuals get so frustrated and tired with the efforts to fix things in the marriage, that they think divorce is the only viable option. This is an extremely crucial decision, which should involve the utmost mutual understanding and respect from both individuals.