Causes Of Divorce

There are as many reasons for marriages to fail as there are marriages. However, there are some causes of divorce that account for the majority of cases.

Often, the problems existed before the marriage but were overlooked because of the intense infatuation of courtship and a vague belief that things will somehow work out in the end. People in their teens are more likely to fall into this trap than older adults.

People whose parents were divorced are more likely to get divorced themselves. This isn’t that surprising since divorce often becomes a reference point for these people. Why exert so much effort to save a marriage when they can just get a divorce? If divorce “worked” for their parents, then they feel that it ought to work for them too.

Six of the most frequently cited causes of divorce are:

1.) Poor communication. Because communication is absolutely vital in all relationships, this is a major reason for divorce today. The only way any problem can be solved is for both parties to acknowledge that it exists. Then discussion is required for its eventual resolution. Open communication is essential before a marriage to ensure that both partners are on the same wavelength. If each person has a different expectation of the partnership, how are they to know this without communication?

2.) Incompatibility. We are all unique. Like the snowflakes falling in winter, no two people are exactly the same. Is it any wonder then that incompatibility is one of the more common causes of divorce? Why two incompatible people become married in the first place can be explained by the reasons given in the preceding paragraphs such as poor communication and overlooking the differences while under the spell of infatuation and sexual attraction. There are many kinds of incompatibility such as that of expectations and ambitions. There are also emotional, sexual and intellectual sources of incompatibility. If your intuition tells you that a certain person just isn’t your type, listen to it.

3.) Money problems. When times are hard or when there is a difference in spending and saving habits, money, or rather, arguing over money, becomes the root of all evil. Further issues include unequal financial status, failing to disclose the full truth of ones financial state, and not providing adequate financial support.

4.) Abusive behavior. Abuse can take the form of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. In addition to physical assault, one can abuse another through incessant humiliation and insult, or through the constant expression of rage.

5.) Infidelity. In most cultures, marriage is supposed to be monogamous. This means that ones spouse is ones only sexual partner. There are very sound emotional as well as practical reasons for monogamy. The typical way that infidelity leads to divorce is when one partner habitually “cheats” on the other. While a single cheating occurrence can often be worked through, habitual cheating leads to an inevitable breakdown of the marriage.

6.) Sexual difficulties. The sex drive is a very powerful force. When this need isn’t met because of differences in libido or because of sexual dysfunction, it can be the basis for getting a divorce.

In addition to the above, other causes of divorce include immaturity, no commitment to the marriage, alcohol and drug abuse, falling out of love, mental illness, and differences in lifestyle, culture and religious backgrounds.

Related posts:

1. Divorce Facts
2. Grounds For Divorce