Is it due to infidelity, unhappiness, or are couples realizing they want different things out of life? Find out below as we highlight five common reasons why people today are filing for divorce.
In the past, it wasn’t exactly common for a couple to rely on divorce when something came in between their marriage. Most stuck through it and attempted to “work it out.” However, in today’s day and age, many individuals opt for a divorce when something dramatic interferes with their relationship.
So, why are couples filing for divorce? Business Insider managed to comb through research psychologist Scott M. Stanley collected after asking couples why they divorced and found seven common reasons most couples gave when they were asked. Five of these seven reasons include:
- Infidelity.
This is more than likely one of the most common reasons why individuals divorce. When one spouse chooses to stray from the marriage, it can lead to the other doing the same thing causing both to suffer in pain and unable to move beyond the betrayal. But, Business Insider spoke with a couples therapist who stated that infidelity doesn’t always have to be the demise of a marriage. In fact, if one spouse cheats, as devastating as it is, it “can sometimes allow a couple to reestablish the kind of intimacy and honesty they hadn’t had in years.” However, when someone learns their spouse broke their vows, they sometimes can’t cope with the fact that they were deceived by someone who claimed they loved them and would never hurt them.
- Substance abuse.
Many individuals who participated in the study cited that substance abuse was their “final straw” which led to them filing for divorce. The fact is, alcohol can not only become an added expense that causes a couple to struggle financially, but the unhealthy habit can lead to individuals becoming aggressive, violent, and unbearable to live with.
- Lack of commitment.
Life can be stressful and sometimes, that stress can interfere with a spouse’s ability to play their role as a husband or wife. This might include not being present for a significant part of the day, failing to contribute to household chores, or not giving their partner the love and affection they might need. And after the lack of commitment grows into a larger issue than just helping out around the house, it has proven to cause some individuals to take the leap and file for divorce.
- There is too much conflict in the relationship.
Business Insider highlighted one individual’s comment who stated that this was their reason for filing for divorce. They said, “We’d have an argument over something really simple and it would turn into just huge, huge fights. And so, our arguments never got better they only ever got worse.” Not only can arguing bring stress into the relationship which can affect all areas of a person’s life, but it can create a barrier between a couple that begins to grow in size, pushing each person farther and farther away from one another.
- Growing apart.
When you first marry someone, you expect that you are going to spend the remainder of your life with this person. However, some individuals fail to realize that as time goes on, we grow and sometimes become different versions of the person we once were. This “new” person, who may have different beliefs or values, may no longer be someone you are compatible with.
While some couples are able to make the decision to divorce after having endured circumstances they weren’t happy and/or comfortable with, others aren’t sure if filing for divorce is the right option for them. One way to find out is to learn more about the process or what other options are available that can help keep your marriage alive. And if you are interested in learning what the divorce process entails or have a few questions of your own, the Baton Rouge, LA divorce attorneys at Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf are available to speak with you address your concerns.
Filing for divorce is a big decision and before going through with it, it is recommended that you speak with a legal professional who is experienced in the field who can provide you with all the information you need that can help you make an informed decision. To schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated and skilled divorce lawyers in Baton Rouge, LA, call us now at 225-343-2205.
You can reach Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf at:
3960 Government Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205