Common Reasons Marriages Fail & How to Avoid Them
During a survey, some youngsters responded that they do not wish to get
married because divorce is expensive! This is a worrisome trend if young
people are thinking about divorce even before they get married.
Research shows that nearly one out of two marriages in the United States
ends in divorce. Though there may be possibilities of exaggeration in
these figures, everybody agrees that divorce has become a part of many
adult lives, just like marriage.
There are underlying causes to why some people find their partner wasn’t
the right one or why infidelity occurs. You can have a happy and successful
marriage if you understand what causes a rift between couples and how
to steer clear of those mistakes in your relationship.
Lack of Communication
Some experts call this as the most fundamental or, in fact, the only real
cause of a failed marriage. All the other troubles can be addressed if
only there is good communication between the two life partners. And this
is as important before marriage as it is later on in the married life.
Nobody is a mind reader.
Although people who love each other do understand their spouse’s
feelings even when things are unsaid, expressing what you like, dislike,
agree, or disagree with is extremely important. Most problems present
themselves because one person thinks the other should understand their
feelings or their situation, while the other doesn’t even realize
that there is something that needs to be understood.
Unrealistic Expectations
Don’t expect storybook romances and Hollywood dreams to come true
in your marriage. It is good to believe in the miracles of love but you
have to understand with a certain amount of pragmatism where you and your
partner stand in reality. Both spouses will have some expectations about
how their life will be after marriage. Discuss these expectations with
your partner and make sure you both agree on at least some of them so
you won’t end up arguing about every little thing each day after
you get married.
Lack of Physical Intimacy
It is easy to complain that your partner has lost interest in you. But
physical intimacy comes from an emotional connection (and the reverse
is equally true as well). If you both are not able to appreciate and admire
each other intrinsically, the desire for physical intimacy won’t
be high. Romance and physical intimacy go hand in hand. It is not necessary
to go overboard but certain romantic gestures and plans will keep the
spark alive in your marriage.
Strict Gender Roles
There are loosely constructed and generalized gender roles in every marriage.
But these should not become a rigid burden that both partners must stick
to come what may. If a man believes that it is the woman’s job to
cook and clean, but the woman feels that the husband should share the
work, there could be problems. Roles can interchange when the situation
demands and both partners should have the flexibility to accept that.
Lack of Individual Identity
For many people, their partner is the center of their universe. While this
is wonderful, you could someday start feeling that you have no identity
of your own, and you are just living in your spouse’s shadow. Create
space for your own goals within the marriage, seek to fulfill your dreams
and strive to reach a place you imagined you would in your marriage. It
helps if you have your own job, social circle, friends, and some hobbies
and activities that you can pursue without your partner.
Only when two people preserve their individual identities, can they create
a new one as a couple.
Common Interests
“Me time” is important and it is also said that “opposites
attract.” But when sharing a life with a partner, there needs to
be at least some commonalities between the spouses. If the husband is
an introvert, while the wife loves to socialize, or if the wife prefers
indoor activities but the husband loves the outdoors and adventure, it
could sometimes get difficult to spend time together. You won’t
be able to watch movies together, listen to music, eat outside, travel
to different places, or have common friends if your choices and tastes
are poles apart in almost everything.
Inability to Resolve Conflicts
Every marriage has conflicts. But they are not impossible to resolve. Both
partners have to make efforts to resolve conflicts if and when they arise.
It is very easy to shout, sulk, or walk away if things get difficult.
But it takes commitment and patience to listen to your partner’s
viewpoint, to understand their problem, to remain humble throughout and
to apologize if necessary. Foul language and demeaning behavior are a
strict “no-no,” no matter how angry you are.
Financial Incompatibility
Marriages do not end due to lack of money but rather due to divergent views
about money. If one partner believes in saving while the other beliefs
in spending, money could become a cause of constant quarrels. It is important
that both partners understand their realistic financial position, discuss
the monthly budget, plan investments mutually and build a stable financial
portfolio together as a team.
Roles in the Family
Many couples drift apart once they have kids. Parenting is a tough job
and takes up a large part of your time. Children need your utmost attention,
but after some years when they are independent, couples find that they
have grown apart. Even with all your family responsibilities, you should
never forget that investing your marriage takes precedence over investing
in your kids. Both partners need to give time and undivided attention
to each other too while taking diligent care of the children.
Key Takeaway
Once married, many people begin to take your partner for granted. But nobody
is bound to be waiting for you all the time. For your spouse to support
you, enjoy with you, and grow with you, you need to give them time, love,
and respect.
Divorce can be avoided if couples have journeys and paths they wish to
walk together and if they are ready to make individual as well as a united
effort to overcome every hurdle that comes their way. A successful marriage
is based not just on love and respect but also on solid communication,
honesty, and individual freedom.
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