why did Ruth and Walter grow apart

Ruth and Walter grow apart mainly because of Walter and his schemes to make money to benefit his family. Ruth is tired of having to just get by.

Both of them are tired of having to just get by. Walter dreams of being more manly. Living at home with his mom doesn't make him feel as if he is the man of his family and providing for them. Ruth doesn't know how to help him. She knows that another child will only make their situation worse. Each is making decisions without the input of the other.