"Finding out there is a support group for women who have been abandoned while hiking with a partner is soul-crushing."

As a Senior Writer and Content Creator for BuzzFeed and Tasty, I specialize in lifestyle reporting, viral human-interest stories, and travel/food media.

Turner agreed, adding that she thinks the combination of the imagery of physical abandonment paired with the emotionally charged concept of divorce has made this term so viral. "Using the word 'divorce' in this context makes the breakup feel more dramatic and final, even if the couple was not married."

Dr. Rosario said she has worked with many individuals and couples where one partner withdraws, abandons, or emotionally, physically, or situationally shuts down in critical moments. "That can look like leaving someone stranded during an argument, refusing to communicate during a crisis, or creating environments where the other person feels unsafe or unsupported. The setting may differ, but the pattern is the same: a lack of responsibility for your partner’s well-being. This can indicate poor coping skills or a lack of emotional capacity to deal with evolving stressors common to relationships worldwide," she added.

Turner has also worked with clients who have experienced intimate partner violence or coercive behavior, which can leave spouses in extremely vulnerable and unsafe situations.

"Isolation and abandonment are common tactics in abusive or controlling relationships. When a partner is cut off from friends, family, or other support systems, they become more vulnerable and easier to manipulate. These behaviors are often about power and control. The partner using isolation wants to make the other dependent, fearful, or unsure of themselves, which can make it harder for them to assert boundaries or leave the relationship. In the 'alpine divorce' situation, the boyfriend’s actions appear to be an attempt to assert power and control by abandoning his girlfriend in an unfamiliar setting, leaving her confused, isolated, and unsure of how to find her way back. He didn’t just want to break up. He wanted her to feel powerless and unsafe," added Turner.

• Communication dries up• Short, perfunctory texts, fewer calls, no real “How are you really?”• Emotional distance• They stop sharing feelings, plans, or vulnerabilities; you feel like roommates or strangers• Reduced physical affection• Less touch, intimacy, eye contact, or warmth• Low effort and avoidance• Cancelled plans, vague answer, ‘’I’m busy” with no follow-through• Growing irritation or indifference• Things that were once cute now annoy them; they seem unmoved by your needs orconcerns• When someone shows you that they cannot hold emotional responsibility in small moments, it often becomes more serious over time

Turner clarified that an incident like the one in the viral Alpine Divorce video would typically only be relevant if the child or children were directly endangered or abandoned in an unsafe situation. "Isolated adult conflicts, without the children present, rarely affect custody or visitation decisions unless they demonstrate a pattern of harmful behavior that indirectly affects the child or children."

And Turner also offered guidance for women who may recognize this dynamic but aren’t ready to leave yet: "If someone isn’t ready to leave, they should carefully document what happened, including dates, times, locations, any witnesses, and save any relevant text messages, emails, or social media communications. It’s also important to inform a trusted person so you’re not the only one aware of the situation. If you’re married, a consultation with a divorce attorney can help you understand your rights and options, giving you clarity instead of acting from fear about what a divorce might mean. Finally, if you ever feel physically threatened, you can contact a domestic violence service for support and help planning a safe exit strategy."

• Name what you’re experiencing• Initiate a clear, calm conversation• Watch what they do, not just what they say• Set an internal timeline for yourself• Protect your self-worth• If they won’t engage, give yourself closure• Use the experience as data, not a definition.Beyond reflection, practical steps matter:• Share your location when in remote environments• Communicate plans clearly with someone you trust• Pay attention to patterns, not just promises• Most importantly, do not ignore discomfort. Safety in a relationship is not just physical; it is emotional, psychological, and situational