What Drives Women to End Their Marriages?

Divorce is rather common in today’s society, with almost half of first marriages ending this way. Despite this fact, it’s still somewhat of a taboo word that carries stigmas.

When you find a partner and fall in love, you never plan to enter the divorce stage. It’s hard to let go of the life you’ve built together with your partner. If children are involved, you want them to have both parents present in their lives.

When steps have been taken to address ongoing issues, but your best efforts aren’t yielding the desired results, ending the marriage may be a reasonable option.

Divorce is often associated with significant challenges on both ends of a partnership, but women tend to be the more likely party to initiate matters. Here’s a look at the possible reasons why women look to end their marriage.

Communication Troubles

Communication is a main building block and support structure for every relationship. As relationships progress over time, communication skills may begin to falter. If you’re not tending to them, they can start to crumble.

When women lack effective communication in their relationships, it can lead them to feel invalidated, unheard, and devalued. Poor communication can further lead to emotional needs not being fulfilled. Lack of intimacy, trust, support, and respect all stem from communication.

If you’re not able to communicate effectively, it’s rather difficult to address the issues and come up with possible solutions.

Unequal Division of Labor

It’s no longer the 1950s marriage era, where it was expected that women managed the household. In today’s world, women are climbing the corporate ladder. Women are balancing their work and family life at home.

Unfortunately, the division of labor scale still tips towards women carrying more of the burden. During the initial years of a marriage, it may not seem like a big deal. As time goes on, however, it can start to cause resentment that there’s this disproportionate burden.

Financial Issues

Money and financial management can be a sensitive subject in some relationships, depending on which partner is responsible for this task. As a woman, if you’re placed in a position where you’re not able to make decisions about your money, it can lead to resentment.

Financial issues are one hot topic that causes conflict within relationships. If you’re contributing to your collective finances, you should have a voice.

Differences in Beliefs

Hopefully, before you choose to get married, you will have conversations about your respective values and beliefs. In some instances, especially couples who married very young, differences in beliefs and values can become an issue later on.

From the time you get married, you’re going to go through a series of changes. Let’s consider them new chapters. As you move through each new chapter of life, a part of you may go through a change as well. The person you are at 16 is going to be different from who you are at 35 or 60.

When values and beliefs shift in different directions, it can be a source of conflict. This type of conflict is harder to ignore since it stems from a place within your core being.

Toxic Relationship Behaviors

Not all relationships operate in a healthy environment. When it comes to toxic relationship behaviors, like domestic violence or emotional abuse, women are more likely to be the victims.

As more and more people speak out, more resources are becoming available. Remaining in a relationship that is unsafe and/or toxic is not recommended. There are more options available for reaching a place of safety and security, often ending in divorce.

Infidelity is a common cause of divorce. While it’s an issue that occurs among men and women, statistics show that men are more likely to cheat on their spouses.

Making the Decision

Ending a marriage isn’t exclusive to any gender. It also isn’t an easy decision to make. If your relationship is at a crossroads, help is available in both directions. During therapy sessions, we can address issues you’re having as a couple or process through any feelings you’re having about the decision if it’s already been made.

Schedule an appointment with me today to get the conversation started.