A lack of conflict in a marriage is not always a reassuring sign. New York City divorce lawyer James Sexton said emotional withdrawal and dwindling effort can signal that a spouse has quietly stopped participating in the relationship.

The informal term for this behavior is "quiet quitting," borrowed from the workplace idea of doing the bare minimum. It is not a clinical diagnosis, but experts say it can describe spouses who stay together while reducing their emotional effort, communication or involvement.

Sexton described the withdrawal as a decision to avoid the dramatic act of ending the relationship. "I'm just going to stop. I'm going to stop paying attention."

Silently pulling away may appear easier than experiencing the "trauma" of divorce, Sexton told Fox News Digital. It can also allow the person withdrawing to avoid looking like the "bad guy" responsible for ending the marriage.

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According to Sexton, frequent conflict may sometimes be less concerning than indifference. "When people are fighting, it kind of means there’s still skin in the game," he said. "The opposite of love is not hate … it’s indifference."

Dr. Mindy DeSeta, a clinical sexologist and licensed mental health counselor in Miami, said some couples seek help after about 30 years of marriage. With their children gone or retirement approaching, the distractions of family life have eased and the emotional distance becomes clearer.

Couples experiencing quiet quitting may still operate effectively as a team. They can manage a home and other responsibilities together while becoming increasingly disconnected from each other emotionally.

That separation can unfold gradually as partners build different routines. They might watch different shows, go to bed at different times, exercise separately or spend time with different groups of friends.

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Both experts described ways couples can address the disconnection. Rather than relying on grand gestures, Sexton said renewed momentum often begins with small and active efforts that revisit the affection both partners enjoyed earlier in the relationship.

The first approach is to restore simple gestures of interest. Sexton suggested sending sweet "good morning" texts, writing a note that compliments a partner or sharing a song connected to a romantic memory.

These gestures require little time or money but can remind a partner of the qualities that remain appreciated. "It costs nothing, takes 30 seconds to do it," Sexton said.

The second approach is to offer undivided attention during shared time. DeSeta said quiet quitting can look like zoning out, particularly when one person scrolls on a phone while the couple is supposed to be watching a movie together.

In that situation, the device can become "the third member of the relationship" and show where a partner’s attention is going. DeSeta also encouraged asking personal questions as simple as "how was your day?" to help restore connection.

The third approach is to communicate through positive memories instead of opening with a complaint. Rather than saying that the couple never spends time together anymore, Sexton suggested recalling an enjoyable experience and proposing that they recreate it.

"Focusing on what we need to work on is harder than focusing on what it is that we really like about this person, what drew us to them to begin with," he said. A positive approach, experts said, is more likely to draw a positive response.

The fourth approach is to flirt and keep pursuing a partner. DeSeta said making that active effort can boost mood while demonstrating that romantic interest remains present.

"Let your partner know that you are there to earn them every day," she said. DeSeta emphasized consistently learning about a partner and showing through subtle daily actions that they remain cared for and remembered.

Meanwhile, Sexton urged couples not to wait for illness or tragedy before renewing their effort. He said time with every person is finite, leaving a limited number of opportunities to be together and express love.

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Are you feeling overwhelmed or hopeless right now? Have you been withdrawing from people or activities you usually enjoy? Are you having thoughts about hurting yourself, or feeling like things will never improve?

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If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services right away. Even a small step, like reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional, can help create a path forward.