It Doesn't Always End In Divorce!
Unfortunately, many married couples in America face divorce for a number of reasons. Whether it's a partner struggling with addiction or simply too many arguments that have made you fed up, here are 10 common reasons that seem to be the leading causes of divorce. But to avoid this, we want to provide you with 10 healthy tips to help you fight it and maintain a happy and healthy marriage too! Because with a little hard work and effort, it's possible to turn your sour marriage into a happy one again.
1. Addiction
Whether it's being addicted to substances, gambling, or anything else, addiction is a serious issue that can take a significant toll on a marriage. The behaviors commonly associated with addiction can lead to financial strain, trust issues, and even emotional distress, making it impossible to maintain a healthy relationship.
2. Lack of Communication
Poor communication is a leading cause of divorce. Why? Well, when couples fail to express their needs, desires, or issues effectively, it just leads to misunderstandings and pent up frustration and resentment. Once the foundation is ruined, a happy and healthy relationship can't exist.
3. Financial Problems
Financial issues are often cited as being a significant factor that can lead to divorce. Anything including disagreeing over spending habits, financial roles, debt, or inability to pay bills can be factors. Because not only do these create discomfort in the relationship, it'll create deep rifts between partners, making it more and more difficult to maintain balance and harmony.
4. Infidelity
In any relationship, pre or post marriage, infidelity is something that will completely destroy all trust, leading it to be one of the most common reasons couples decide to divorce. This betrayal, combined with all the emotional pain caused by it, is an incredibly difficult thing to recover from and usually has most relationships ending instantly.
5. Constant Arguing
Dealing with frequent arguments in a marriage might just be a strong indicator of some deep-rooted issues. If you're repeatedly fighting over the same things with no resolution, it just leads to both parties feeling constant bitterness and frustration. How are the foundations of your relationship meant to last this way?
6. Lack of Intimacy
Both physical and emotional intimacy is crucial in any healthy marriage. It's not always about what happens in the bedroom, it's about quick kisses throughout the day, hugging, and so much more. So the moment one or both partners start to feel neglected or disconnected, that's where the deep dissatisfaction begins.
7. Unrealistic Expectations
Entering marriage with unrealistic expectations only sets you up for disappointment. Married life isn't all easygoing, there's going to be disagreements and challenges to overcome together. If the reality of married life doesn't align exactly with what one or both partners expected, it'll quickly lead to discontent and conflict.
8. Loss of Identity
Feeling like you've lost your sense of self or individuality in a marriage can lead to unhappiness. After all, your lover shouldn't be dragging you down, they should be lifting you up! It's important for partners to support each other's growth and personal goals, but neglecting this can cause one to feel trapped or resentful. And when those feelings linger, it leads to divorce.
9. Getting Married at an Early Age
Yes, when it comes to marriage, age can play a big contributing factor in whether it'll end in happiness or divorce! For many young couples who haven't fully developed their personal or financial identities yet, they can easily feel overwhelmed by all the new challenges marriage has to offer. And if these issues aren't dealt with, they only grow and create discontentment.
10. Differences in Parenting Styles
Once kids are in the picture, there's another hurdle that couples may have to overcome: differences in parenting styles. Disagreements on how to raise your children can be a major source of conflict in a marriage, even leading to divorce. It can lead to many arguments and pent up resentment, sadly not just impacting your marriage, but also the well-being of the child.
1. Open Communication
To maintain a healthy and happy marriage, regular and open communication is crucial. You have to understand each other's needs, wants, and ways of resolving conflict if you want this to work out. That's why encouraging honest and respectful conversations is the best way to build a safe and comfortable foundation.
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2. Financial Transparency
Money is a major topic when it comes to married couples and being open and honest is the only way to go about it. Don't lie about any of your debts, savings, or spending habits because it will only create misunderstandings and conflicts. Work together to achieve your financial goals, making sure to budget in a way that both of you agree on.
3. Prioritize Intimacy
For both parties to feel loved, fulfilled, and satisfied, maintaining emotional and physical intimacy is key for building a lasting relationship. That's why it's a good idea to regularly set time aside for date nights, affection, and meaningful conversations that keep the connection strong and the marriage happy.
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4. Conflict Resolution Skills
There's no doubt that married couples will face plenty of arguments and challenges they need to overcome, but learning and practicing healthy conflict resolution techniques can transform these arguments into opportunities for growth. Instead of focusing on winning fights, focus on finding solutions where both sides can be happy. Don't forget you're a team!
5. Shared Goals and Values
Before you get married and even during, having long and deep conversations about key values and future goals can keep you both heading in the same direction. Shared ideals are what helps build strong foundations in relationships; so everything from dreams, career goals, and family plans should be discussed early on.
6. Mutual Respect and Appreciation
Don't get lazy in your relationship - show regular expressions of respect and appreciation for each other! Doing so can really reinforce your bond and love for one another. Acknowledge your partner's contributions and achievements, so you can both thrive in this supportive marriage.
7. Flexibility and Compromise
Being in a relationship or marriage means being willing to compromise and adapt to changes that can help both parties overcome challenges. It's important to recognize that change is a part of life, and being flexible is what makes navigating life's ups and downs easier for a couple. Whatever it is, you want to make sure you get through it together.
8. Quality Time Together
Just because you're married doesn't mean you can't do cute things together like when you were dating! Spending quality time together is what keeps the relationship fresh and exciting. Try participating in shared hobbies, interests, or new activities together to keep that connection strong.
9. Individual Growth and Independence
Supporting each other's personal growth and independence strengthens a relationship. Encourage your partner to pursue their interests and goals, understanding that individual fulfillment contributes to a happy partnership. Two amazing people make for an even better relationship.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If things start getting rough, never hesitate to seek counseling or therapy. A professional can provide you both with an unbiased perspective and guidance towards improved communication and conflict resolution. If you want to maintain your marriage, it never hurts to reach out for help.
