The facts (and by facts, I mean research done in 2023 collected by Forbes) show that divorce rates have not improved over the years.

The number is still at 50%, and that’s only for the first marriage. Those who wed multiple times face a far higher rate of divorce. In fact, 67% of second marriages and 73% of third marriages end.

So, what’s the problem? People don’t enter a marriage to get a divorce (unless it’s a green card scam or something, but that’s another story). Through the beautiful journey that begins, things steadily can take an unexpected turn.

Let’s explore some of the top reasons why married couples are calling it quits.

Lack of Commitment (75%)
For a marriage to work, there has to be commitment from both sides. No one partner can single-handedly mend the relationship. You have to actively work on marriage. Once one of the parties starts taking the other for granted for an extended period of time with no sign of reconciliation, the neglected partner will be at their wit’s end.

The research showed that 72% of couples reported they didn’t fully understand the commitment involved in marriage before they tied the knot. In addition, many divorced people said they were surprised their partner changed over their marriage and were unable to personally cope with new problems that arose over time.

Barring abuse or abandonment, marriage is for better or for worse. It sounds cute until the “for worse” happens…

Infidelity or Extramarital Affairs (60%)
Infidelity is undoubtedly one of the most devastating challenges a marriage can face. When trust is broken, it can be incredibly challenging to rebuild the relationship. The betrayal and emotional turmoil can leave lasting scars, making it difficult for couples to repair the bond they once shared.

Can a marriage survive infidelity? Sure. However, it takes work, transparency, patience and possibly years of work to heal from the hurtful situation. Even the partner who cheated could lose hope or become frustrated with the work that has to be done to reconcile because he or she will have to deal with the consequences of mistrust and a rollercoaster of emotions from their partner.

Too Much Conflict and Arguing (58%)
Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, and its absence–or misuse–can gradually erode even the strongest foundation. When couples fail to communicate effectively, misunderstandings pile up, anger grows and resentment takes root. Over time, the emotional distance becomes too vast to bridge, leading to the breakdown of the marriage.

Getting Married Too Young (45%)
People change and evolve over time, and sometimes, couples find themselves growing in different directions. Interests, values and priorities that were once shared may shift, leaving partners feeling disconnected. The emotional distance created by growing apart can make it difficult for couples to maintain a fulfilling and meaningful relationship.

Statistics show that there is a “sweet spot” of an age range that is less likely to experience divorce. Couples who marry at 25 are 50% less likely to divorce compared with couples who marry at 20. However, for those who marry after age 32, divorce rates increase by 5% per year until the age they are wed.

Financial Problems (37%)
Financial strain is another common stressor that can strain a marriage. Constant disagreements over money management, mounting debt or differing financial goals can cause tension and lead to significant conflicts. When couples find themselves unable to navigate these challenges together, divorce may become an unfortunate outcome.

Many couples have chosen to delay marriage—often for financial reasons or due to changing cultural norms. In 2022, the median age of marriage was 32 for men and 30 for women.

So, what do you do with all of this information? Be aware of it, but don’t let it dictate whether you’ll have a successful marriage or not. Learn from other people’s mistakes and plan accordingly for yourself.

Divorce can be a painful and challenging experience. Understanding the reasons behind it can help shed light on the complexities of married life and maybe even help prevent it.

I need the male perspective for this one, so this week’s video will be an open discussion with my husband explaining the top 11 reasons people get divorced and how you can work as a couple to improve those different areas. See you on Saturday!