When a couple is still unable to decide between reconciliation and divorce, they opt for Path 1 (status quo).
The term “status quo” may be a little misleading here. Path 1 protects couple from two very problematic scenarios: giving up on a marriage prematurely OR entering into half-hearted couples therapy that is likely to fail. In the latter, couples who participate in unsuccessful marriage therapy may be unnecessarily hopeless about the fate of the marriage.
Often, when couples choose Path 1, the leaning out spouse has softened some and they have a clearer understanding of their own contributions to the problems and the value of personal change. At the same time, they just don’t have the energy or motivation for a full effort at therapy. In other situations, the spouse may be paralyzed about making a decision.
In these situations, Path 1 is a viable option and should in no way be seen as “failed” discernment!