Usually, when a couple decides to separate, it's a precursor to an inevitable divorce. But therapists and the couples they counsel are finding that sometimes, separation is the first step to reconciliation. Instead of separating ultimately to divorce later, many couples are treating separation as a "time-out" of sorts. And sometimes that time-out is just what couples need to recharge the marriage. For some couples, however, what Psychology Today calls an "enhancement separation" is not a good idea. For example, couples who have experienced breaches in trust, such as infidelity or addiction, may not fare well in a separation. Both parties should go into the arrangement with the same expectations. That is, a separation won't work if one person isn't willing to work on the relationship and views the separation as a means to divorce, while the other person legitimately views the time apart as a chance to work on the marriage. Making expectations clear and reasonable is important.