Divorce rates in the United States have been on the rise. Every year, more and more couples are seeking to bring their marriages to an ultimate closure, and the trend is just going up.
This alarming statistic has concerned many experts who have suggested a lack of communication and unwillingness to compromise among couples may be contributing to this trend. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the divorce rate in the United States increased by 2.9% in 2019, with over 740,000 divorces being granted.
Divorce attorneys who work with divorcing couples are firsthand witnesses of this trend at play. They have observed the impact of communication breakdowns on marriages.
Charlotte Christian, owner of the family law firm Charlotte Christian Law, is one of these law experts who has viewed the correlation between rising divorces and lack of communication between couples.
Christian owns family law practices in Alabama, Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas, Houston, and St. Louis. In these different locations, she has observed the deterioration of communication between couples, a trend that seems ubiquitous nationwide. She asserts that when couples struggle to communicate effectively, it can lead to a loss of trust, respect, and, ultimately, the breakdown of the relationship.
Effective communication is a two-way street, and it involves being open, honest, and willing to compromise. However, many couples struggle with these skills, leading to unresolved conflicts and resentment. When couples fail to find solutions to their problems, they may turn to divorce as the only option.
In her practice, Christian reminds couples experiencing conflict that divorce is not an avenue that should be taken ludicrously. She views divorce as a legal tool that serves a social function – that of giving people a fresh start when their relationship has reached a point of breakdown to walk toward a better future.
Understanding each other’s perspectives is also crucial in effective communication. It requires putting aside one’s biases and being open to hearing the other person’s point of view. Couples who cannot understand each other’s perspectives may find it challenging to find common ground and may end up feeling unheard or unvalued.
In addition to communication breakdowns, a lack of compromise is also a significant factor contributing to the increase in divorce rates. Christian comments on the general unwillingness to make compromises that she observes among many couples seeking a divorce.
When one partner feels their needs and wants are not being met, it can lead to resentment and anger. However, successful relationships require both partners to be willing to give and take to find a solution that works for both parties.
Christian encourages couples struggling in their marriage to seek help before turning to divorce. Resources such as therapy, mediation, or counseling can help couples work through their issues and learn effective communication and compromise skills.
There is no clear path toward reversing the alarming rise of divorces across the United States. However, the first step is creating awareness of the need for effective communication and a willingness to compromise as crucial pillars of any successful marriage. Seeking help and utilizing available resources can help couples work through their problems and avoid the devastating effects of divorce.
