If and when you end up divorcing your spouse, you have to know what went wrong. Where did the marriage go off the rails? Understanding that your spouse is not the only person to blame for the breakdown of your marriage can help you during this trying time.
If you already went through a divorce, you may still wonder what the main causes of divorce are. Learning this information can now save you from getting another divorce down the line.
Not all marriages end for one clear-cut reason. It usually takes a combination of events to bring a marriage down. That said, there are certain things that could’ve been prevented that can lead to a divorce.
Here are several known causes of divorce or marital breakdowns and how you can prevent it from happening to you and your new family.
Infidelity
Cheating can cause the breakdown of a marriage, as it destroys the trust and compromises the commitment that is required to sustain a successful relationship. People often do not feel safe if their significant other cheats and often feel like they cannot trust them ever again. This can lead to a lack of communication and desire to stay in the relationship.
Another common cause of infidelity is when one partner has acknowledged that they are no longer happy in the marriage and choose to find happiness elsewhere. This can lead to an already difficult situation becoming even more complicated, making it very hard in saving a marriage to survive.
Emotional Detachment
This is when partners no longer connect on an emotional level. This can lead to resentment, frustration, and unhappiness in the relationship.
When spouses become emotionally detached, they may not feel comfortable expressing their true feelings and emotions, or they may have difficulty understanding the emotions of their partner. This can cause issues such as difficulty communicating, lack of respect, and resentment.
When one or both partners feel a lack of emotional connection, they may start to look elsewhere for companionship and emotional support. If partners no longer share an emotional bond, they may feel it is time to move on and get a divorce.
Communication Problems
When couples are unable to effectively communicate with one another over important issues, this can often be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. This can lead to a lack of trust, respect, and eventually love.
When couples are unable to work through and even acknowledge their communication problems, then it can be very difficult to come to a resolution and maintain a healthy relationship. Communication is key in any successful and healthy relationship, and when it’s lacking, it can lead to the demise of a marriage.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of divorce and is often the underlying reason why many marriages fail. Healthcare professionals identify it as a pattern of behavior in an intimate relationship that is used to establish power and control.
This can be physical, emotional, or psychological, making it one of the main contributors to family disruption and divorce. While any type of violence can be a catalyst for divorce, domestic violence within a relationship is more likely to be a factor as stress increases within the couple and household.
Addiction
Addiction often leads to poor communication between spouses, as well as a lack of trust, respect, and commitment. When an individual is addicted to a certain substance, they often put their addiction before the needs and feelings of their spouse, which leads to resentment and a breakdown in their marriage.
Addicts often lie, steal, and manipulate to hide their habits, and their partner is left feeling betrayed, taken advantage of, and not respected. This lack of trust and respect can eventually lead to divorce, as couples often find it hard to come back from such circumstances.
Not Being Prepared for Marriage
Not being prepared for marriage is one of the leading causes of divorce. When two people enter a marriage without enough preparation, they may make decisions that the other partner disagrees with. Many couples do not properly discuss finances, family goals, roles, and responsibilities in the marriage, all of which can lead to conflict and resentment.
Financial Problems
Financial problems are often cited as a major cause of divorce. These issues can lead to fighting, stress, and resentment, which can erode a marriage from the inside and lead to divorce. Extreme financial hardship brought on by money issues can also put one or both couples in poverty and spark disputes over who should be responsible for taking care of the family.
Unrealistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations are one of the most common reasons for divorce. Many couples can find themselves with mismatched expectations for the relationship, leading to arguments, resentment, and regret.
Unrealistic expectations can lead to a cycle of disappointment and resentment, resulting in divorce. This can often be seen when one partner has expectations that the other partner isn’t capable of achieving.
The Different Contributing Causes of Divorce
There are a lot of causes of divorce, and it can take a toll on both parties involved. It is essential to make sure that communication, trust, and maturity are present in any relationship.
If you or someone you know is facing a difficult situation, don’t be afraid to seek external help. Help is available.
