In the United States, approximately 40 to 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. While this should a shocking statistic, sadly, it’s not.

Divorce is a widespread issue in our society, one that happens daily and negatively affects many lives. Some of the aftermaths of divorce include grief, anger, and depression for the couple as well as behavioral problems, anxiety, and confusion for the children.

For these reasons, knowing the common causes of divorce can help you avoid the pitfalls that can end a marriage. Whether you are newly married or have been married for years, these are the problems you should avoid at all costs in your marriage. 

Infidelity 

Infidelity is one of the most common divorce causes. Whether the infidelity is physical, emotional, or both, going outside of your marriage is a huge betrayal, one many couples cannot move past. Ultimately a workplace affair or one-night-stand can be the deciding factor that leads to divorce.

Financial Problems 

Depending on the way you were raised, you and your spouse likely have different ideas about spending and managing money. Without compromise and approaching finances like a team, these differences can lead to irreparable problems, and eventually divorce. If you are experiencing financial problems and want to end your marriage, consider consulting with a divorce lawyer. 

Addiction

Addiction is a debilitating disease, one that can damage even the closest relationships. If you or your spouse are deep in addiction, it can cause a strain on the marriage in a variety of ways. As addiction affects more than 20 million people in the United States alone, it is also a common contributor to divorce. 

Incompatibility 

Getting married too young or marrying for the wrong reasons might eventually lead to incompatibility. This is more than the normal lifestyle differences, like one person preferring cold winter while the other prefers warm winter. Differences in religion, your vision for the future, and even daily decisions can eventually lead to the breakdown of your marriage.  

Lack of Intimacy 

Lack of intimacy is one of the leading causes of divorce. While you may think of intimacy as sex, it is much more than that. 

Intimacy is both physical and emotional closeness to your spouse, the glue that keeps your bond strong and holds your marriage together. Without intimacy, your marriage becomes less of a loving partnership and more of a roommate situation. 

Contempt

Contempt is also one of the common reasons to get divorced. This is a lack of respect and empathy along with despising your partner and feeling disdain for them. When you or your spouse feel contempt towards each other, it erodes the bond you have so carefully built, which leads to divorce.  

These Are the Causes of Divorce

There are a few common causes of divorce to look out for. 

One of the major causes of divorce is infidelity in the marriage. Financial problems, addiction, and incompatibility also lead to divorce. If you and your spouse have a lack of intimacy or hold contempt for each other, you might be on the path to divorce.

If you notice any of these signs in your marriage, consider visiting a couples therapist.

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