Common Marriage Hurdles That Lead to Divorce

Marriage is supposed to be a safe relationship, where you feel comfortable with your partner and have a deep connection with them. However, not all married people feel this way.

Being married to someone is hard. Your whole life is enmeshed in this one person and it’s not always a happy experience. Life changes. People change. Over time, the person you marry may no longer fit your needs.

Intimacy may fade. Every little disagreement may turn into a major argument. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you and your spouse may barely talk to each other anymore.

These are frustrating situations that cannot be ignored. Marriage requires constant work and when you and your spouse are facing hurdles, it can be hard to find the time to repair the damage.

But if you don’t, your marriage is likely to result in divorce. Don’t let that happen to your marriage. If you want to keep the spark alive, avoid these common marriage hurdles.

Emotional Distance

Emotional distance is considered to be the most common challenge in a marriage. This occurs when spouses feel distant from one another. Nearly 42% of women report that these feelings are a significant obstacle in their marriage.

These women feel a type of loneliness that isn’t just about physical separation. Their spouse is in the same room as them, but they still feel unseen, unheard, and uncared for. They don’t spend their time engaging in shared activities. Instead, they often spend their time arguing, with one partner shutting down.

Emotional distance often becomes a cycle that results in a dangerous pattern of avoidance. The relationship becomes stagnant, with both partners may begin to feel like they’re going through life alone.

High Levels of Conflict

A survey found that close to 32% of women reported that fighting too much was also a significant hindrance to their marriages, especially when the conflict was not resolved. After an argument, couples tend to sit in silence, allowing their negative emotions to fester.

Conflict can be healthy if it involves thoughtful communication. However, when the conflict becomes adversarial, the stress increases, causing irreparable strain to their marriages.

The following conflict behaviors signal a high likelihood of divorce:

• Attacking a partner’s character instead of addressing a specific issue.
• Using excuses or blame instead of taking responsibility.
• Showing disrespect through sarcasm, mockery, or eye-rolling.
• Shutting down and refusing to talk to avoid conflict.

Financial Stress

Many married people cite financial struggles as their biggest marital obstacle. Conflicts over finances can be deeply damaging to relationships. Spouses often express concerns over their partner being irresponsible with money and their lack of shared financial values and decision-making. This is because conversations about money reflect compatibility, trust, control, and safety.

Seek Legal Help

Marriage is hard. Both parties tend to want different things, and when their needs aren’t met, it can lead to resentment.

Marriage can be challenging. Is your marriage feeling like it’s falling apart? Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can assess your situation and help you figure out the next steps. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call 954-764-4330.

Source:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202506/the-3-most-common-precursors-to-divorce-today