From VICE · Ashley Fike · · 50s
Why Decades-Old Marriages End
Couples who've been married for decades often divorce due to lack of commitment, infidelity, and unaddressed conflicts.
In brief
Couples who've been married for decades often divorce due to lack of commitment, infidelity, and unaddressed conflicts. After 20-30 years of marriage, some couples divorce because they've become accustomed to unhappiness without realizing it. Originally reported by VICE.
The Empty Nest Effect
After children leave home, couples often stop having meaningful conversations.
“Is this the person I want to spend another 20 or 30 years with?”
The Silent Communication Trap
Couples develop habits like eye-rolling and sarcasm to express irritation without speaking.
“You can either be right, or you can be in a relationship.”
Marriage Falls to Priority List
Work, aging parents, and children push marriage to the back of life priorities.
Infidelity as a Final Straw
60% of divorced adults cite infidelity as a major reason for ending their marriages.
“24% named cheating among those who identified a final straw.”
Substance Abuse and Violence
Domestic violence and substance abuse are common final straws for long-term marriages.
“The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support at 1-800-799-7233.”
The key point
After 20-30 years of marriage, some couples divorce because they've become accustomed to unhappiness without realizing it.
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