We all love happily-ever-after stories, but it doesn’t always work out like that in real life.
In 2019, for example, over 746,000 couples in the US filed for divorce. Overall, the divorce rate is on the decline, but there are still many valid reasons why people get divorced.
Curious about the most common causes of divorce? Here are the top five reasons.
- Money Matters
No matter how great your chemistry is, different spending habits or attitudes towards money can quickly erode a marriage. Experts estimate the 48% of couples regularly argue about money, while 60% argue about the way their spouse spends money.
If one spouse comes from a family that prioritized saving while the other lacks saving skills, this can become a major source of tension. The same is true if the couple falls on hard times through job loss or a large unexpected bill.
- Cheating or Infidelity
This one isn’t hard to figure out. As many as 40% of couples file for divorce after an extra-marital affair, making it one of the most common divorce causes.
Keep in mind that different states have different state laws about determining fault. Some states favor the “innocent” mate, while other states have a “no-fault” policy that disregards any alleged bad behaviors.
- Constant Arguing
Communication makes or breaks a relationship, and marriage is no exception. Couples who struggle to communicate without arguing often find themselves getting a divorce.
Couples may hurl accusations at each other, yell, scream, or make nasty comments. Some bicker about bills, chores, or the kids, while others resort to the infamous “silent treatment.”
- Lack of Intimacy
This isn’t always about sex. Any level of disconnect from your spouse (physically or emotionally) can slowly lead to a lack of intimacy.
For some, they may feel like their mate doesn’t take the time or put forth the effort to understand or listen to them. For others, differing sex drives can be a huge source of contention. If one spouse craves sex all the time while the other only wants it occasionally, both parties can feel angered, frustrated, or rejected.
- Unrealistic Expectations
We learn through movies and books that marriage is the ultimate lead-up to a fairytale ending. But what happens after the final chapter? Marriage is the beginning of the journey, not a storybook ending.
Couples who enter marriage expecting life to be a constant fairy tale are in for a major disappointment. Once the honeymoon phase wears off and the bills, children, and other obligations come along, some may find themselves disillusioned by reality.
Other couples may have unrealistic expectations that their spouse simply can’t meet. If someone expects their mate to become a millionaire or stay as thin as a supermodel, they’re setting themselves up for disappointment.
Reasons People Get Divorced: Now You Know
For some couples, their reasons to get married gradually turn into reasons to get divorced. If you and your spouse have been having trouble, it’s up to you to decide whether getting a divorce is the best option.
We’ve discussed some common reasons people get divorced, so what happens next? Our site has more interesting articles like this one, so stay right here and keep browsing!
