With the numbers of couples divorcing reaching staggering figures, many people wonder what causes spouses to split. Studies have shown that there are several common reasons for couples to seek out divorce.
Lack of Commitment
Many people marry without understanding the amount of commitment that it takes to remain married. They may marry on a whim or out of loneliness. Either way, when the sparks stop flying, these couples may decide to go their separate ways and divorce.
Money
Money can represent power in many relationships, and if there is an imbalance in power, it can lead to conflict. Couples in which one spouse significantly out earns the other can mean an increased risk of divorce. If there is a lack of money in the relationship, the stress that comes along with financial instability can lead to divorce.
Children
Surprisingly, the presence of children can sink a marriage. Having children brings with it the added responsibility of caring for others as well as the financial burdens of providing for them. This can lead to added stress, and eventual divorce. Marital discord is high for couples with young children and teenagers—the two age groups that need the most attention.
Unmet Expectations
Many couples have differing expectations about the partner’s role in the marriage. If she thinks that the couple should share domestic duties and he wants a traditional wife that takes care of all of the cooking and cleaning, there will be stress when each one tries to force the other into their expected role.
Lack of Intimacy
Some couples simply stop touching each other. They forget to hold hands, give hugs and spontaneously kiss each other before leaving for work. Couples that don’t maintain sexual and non-sexual intimacy are often at high risk for divorce.
Understanding the major factors that lead to divorce can help you to save your marriage and live harmoniously with your partner.