What do you think is the single highest cause of failed marriages?

Question

If you have any facts or sources, that would be extra helpful (but not necessary).

Please try to be as specific as possible. Rather than just "money", what is it about money that causes problems.
Also, do you really think infidelity is the cause, rather than a symptom?

Answer 1

There's a global catch all I will refer to as assumptions. People make assumptions about things before they get married and don't discover until after the I Dos have been exchanged that they don't really feel the same way about those things. Finances in particular are a big deal because if you don't feel the same way about how to manage money, spend on some items, bills, things for your home and/or family then you will be in for a rude awakening. For example, I am a big believer of my money, your money and our money. We'll both put in X amount or percent of our money into the pool to take care of family things and then we have our own money to do whatever with after that. But I haven't talked to him about that and until I do I can't reasonably expect to marry him. Couples have to be open and direct with each other about everything to when and how many kids to have to how do we alternate holidays with my family and yours. Otherwise hurt feelings and chaos will ensue. Those are not things that are easily worked out after the fact.

Answer 2

I think it's boredom. Doesn't seem like people like this answer,because marriage is, they say, supposed to last until death. I just can't believe that .As we go through life both partners change; it's natural we change mentally and physically.How can any2 people stay together for life? Habit,plain and simple.After 1 partner dies the other says How much they are going to miss him/her. They are going to miss the routine,the habit
I believe in love.When we meet that person they become a part of you,but after a while it wears down .
Ever watch an older couple in,say, a diner ? One is staring out the window, the other is maybe reading the newspaper or looking at the television;neither one absorbing what they are looking at.They are just in the waiting room waiting for the other to pass on.
Ever notice a widow or widower at that same diner with their friends? They are laughing,talking,aware of whats going on in the world. God bless them. They survived marriage.

Answer 3

Speaking as half of a happy marriage that has lasted 36 years, I say that the most common, general cause of failed relationships is emotional immaturity and the inability of couples (or individuals) to compromise and negotiate.

Basically, they cannot even deal with the small issues, let alone the larger ones. Everything becomes a traumatic experience.

In addition to lacking compromise, they also likely lack sympathy and forgiveness.

Face it; we're all human and prone to screw-up on occasion. Now, if we cannot pick ourselves up, learn from our mistake(s), forgive, forget and move forward, we're screwed!!

Without a doubt, many marriages fail as a result of abuse, cheating, money issues, etc., but the biggest problem is lack of compromise and communication.

Answer 4

I think that a failure to communicate effectively is the factor that contributes the most to failed relationships. Without good communication, it's difficult to gain cooperation, and without cooperation, it's difficult to resolve problems.

I think that a breakdown in communication leads to a host of other issues from infidelity and money problems to a general lack of respect for each other. Many marriages fail simply because the partners grow apart - as the individuals change, they lose touch with each other because they don't know each other as intimately as they once did.

Answer 5

their are many things that cause a marrage to fail but the most common one is not sitting down and talking things out making sure that yu also listen what your partener has to say. another cause is adultry which happens all to often where one of them goes out finds someone else then sleeps with that person while their partner is at home with their children and they don't stop and consider how their partner will feel when they find out.and thirdly domestic violence is also one of the highest causes of failed marages which not only women suffer at the hands of their husbands but so do men it is far easier for a woman to seek help in these cases than it is for a man due to the way society is today

Answer 6

No time spent together. How can you remain in love with someone when you don't have anything to love? Close families are always winners. You need to make time for one another. Even if it is just a family board game, or a husband and wife doing a "date" once a week or month. Just keep the communication going.

Answer 7

The breakdown in communication between spouses, which is the foundation of any relationship/marriage; everything else is built upon this fundamental. Then probably financial strains.

Infidelity is always a symptom, never a cause.

Answer 8

Communication #1.

Answer 9

I think people need to put their significant other first. I think a lack of respect and communication are the biggest problems. Try looking at things from the other person's point of view and do whatever you can to give them what they need to feel happy and loved. This of course is assuming the other person is doing the same for you. Make sure you talk ALOT about everything.

Answer 10

For very young couples, immaturity is the big reason because they are just big kids. For people in their 20s and 30s, money or lack of it to support the family is a big reason. Into their 40s and 50s, mid life crisis driving either spouse into a crazy spin of thinking he or she has been deprived of happiness is the reason