When people get married, few anticipate going separate ways from their spouse. But in the last several decades, we’ve seen divorce rates increase significantly.
There are lots of reasons this may have increased – social expectations have changed, many people are becoming more aware of their power and needs, and sometimes it’s the best (although sad) option for two people who just can’t make it work anymore, or for an abusive or toxic relationship.
So why do people get divorced? And, is it possible to save an ailing marriage?
Covid has put even more stressors on romantic relationships, and the everyday struggles and conflicts we normally deal with are heightened when we are in crisis mode.
This infographic by 2 Date 4 Love sheds some light on how COVID has affected marriages, and why people are getting divorced in 2020. Lack of commitment is the highest reason people part ways, followed by infidelity, conflict, getting married too young and financial difficulties.
We also see other, external factors, play a role in a marriage falling apart: health problems, substance abuse, lack of family support and religious differences all impact how people can healthily love one another, and a family. And we see domestic violence as a horrible, yet common, expression of how this can play out in marriage.
The stats are stark, and to be honest, quite overwhelming – but they prove to us what we already know: Marriage is hard work, but it has more chance of succeeding if you and your partner take these things into account.
-
You have entered into marriage with maturity, and discussed important topics and deal breakers.
-
You are both equally committed to making your marriage work and choose not to stonewall one another.
-
You recognise that love is more than just a feeling – it is an action and commitment to one another.
-
You choose to stay monogamous, and if infidelity has happened, have worked through the consequences of this together to maintain your marriage.
-
You reach out for help and guidance when it is needed.
-
Both you and your partner respect each other’s dignity, worth and agency, and treat each other accordingly.
And during COVID, it’s also worth adding this to the list:
-
You are patient with each other, recognising that COVID has put unprecedented emotional, physical, economic and health related stress on your relationship. This global crisis will pass, so have grace on each other so long as you are both still committed to making your marriage work.
For the fifth year in a row, Watersedge has been named one of the Top 3 Marriage Counsellors in Geelong. If your marriage is struggling, we would love to help you repair your relationship or find the best path forward for everyone involved. Here’s what you need to do: Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245 or Duncan on 0434 331 243 for a FREE 10 minute consultation on how we can best help you or book online.
Leave a Reply