With divorce rates at an all-time high, you may view the lifespan of your marriage as a bit of a crapshoot. Nonetheless, the reason that some marriages last while others fail is not entirely random – and researchers have discovered some common denominators underlying nuptials that lack permanency.
In today’s post, we examine some ordinary habits and decisions that could put your marriage on a rocky road:
You went big from the start.
Research shows that certain decisions made at the beginning of a marriage can influence its viability. The study found that couples who splurged on an extravagant wedding and got pregnant right away – within the first eight months of getting married – were more likely to get divorced. Breaking the bank on a fancy wedding can add significant financial strain to a relationship. In addition, couples who wait to have children have more time to adapt to married life and building a solid bond with each other before adding another variable to the equation.
You sleep in the same bed.
You may buy into the societal belief that sharing the same bed is a sign of a healthy marriage. However, if you’re a light sleeper and your spouse snores, you could be subjecting yourself to interrupted, restless sleep. Insufficient rest can make you more irritable and lead to resentment in your relationship. For this reason, many couples are exploring the benefits of sleeping in separate beds.
Your habits are out of sync.
The daily decisions you make surrounding habits such as diet, exercise and alcohol can have an influence on your marriage’s longevity. The decision to exercise – or not – by itself doesn’t have a clear effect on a marriage. However, when your decisions regarding such issues differ from those of your spouse, it can lead to turmoil. If you’re trying to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly, while your spouse is binge-eating pizza and playing video games, it can make you feel isolated and disconnected from your partner.
When you and your spouse are on the same page regarding core decisions affecting daily life, it can help to create a solid foundation for a long-lasting future together.