In recent years, the millennial generation has seen a notable shift in marriage and divorce trends compared to previous generations. Millennial divorce is on the rise. With changes in societal norms, economic pressures, and evolving expectations of marriage, millennials are experiencing higher rates of separation. Here are 15 surprising reasons why many millennials are choosing to end their marriages.
1. Digital Infidelity
Social media and dating apps have made it easier to form connections outside of marriage. Many millennials blame their spouse for having digital or emotional affairs, just because they’re liking someone else’s photos or speaking to someone online. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide a seemingly harmless way to spend time. For some millennials, this time online is leading to deeper emotional entanglements and betrayals, contributing significantly to the breakdown of marriages.
2. Delayed Life Milestones
Many millennials are delaying traditional life milestones like homeownership and parenthood due to financial insecurity or personal choice. Their partner may not be on the same page, which causes strife within the marriage. When these milestones are eventually approached, the differing timelines and expectations can create conflict that’s hard to resolve. If the couple can’t reach a solution or compromise, this often leads to separation.
3. Financial Struggles
Like in many other relationships, millennial divorce is often the result of financial struggles. The millennial generation faces unique financial pressures, including student debt and a competitive job market. Economic challenges can strain marriages since disagreements on spending and saving aren’t always resolved. These issues often manifest into marital trouble in all generations.
4. Career Prioritization
For millennials, career advancement often takes precedence over other aspects of life. This focus can lead to imbalances in marital roles, where one partner may feel neglected or overshadowed by the other’s career. This dynamic can erode the partnership over time unless the couple can face their feelings head-on. There may need to be some adjustments to schedules for both parties to feel satisfied.
5. Changing Gender Roles
Millennials have a more fluid view of gender roles than any other generation. As these gender roles continue to evolve, traditional expectations of who does what in a marriage are often challenged. Conflicts can arise when partners have different views on responsibilities and contributions. Sometimes this is based on gender, which is so deeply ingrained in culture, that some have a hard time adjusting to a new way of thinking.
6. Environmental Concerns
Not all millennial divorce is caused by internal strife within the partnership. Surprisingly, an increased awareness of environmental issues has had the adverse effect of leading some millennials to end their marriage. When one half of the couple believes in sustainability and ethical living, and the other person isn’t as passionate, this can lead to conflicting lifestyle choices. For instance, the eco-friendly individual may want a smaller house or a different car, resulting in a conflict that can’t be resolved.
7. Political Differences
Politics is a topic that is divisive for many, but it can especially cause a strain on a marriage. The current political climate has polarized many aspects of American life, and differing views have become a dealbreaker for many couples. With an estimated 72 million members, the millennial generation represents a large majority of the voting pool. Their political opinions often reflect their core values and worldviews, which in turn, can impact a healthy marriage.
8. Mental Health Awareness
In recent years, there has been a shift toward destigmatizing mental health in this country. More millennials are addressing their struggles and recognizing what they need to be able to overcome these issues. Unfortunately, this work on improving mental health has also led some toward divorce. This is especially the case when both partners are not committed to mutual support.
9. Higher Expectations of Marriage
We’ve been bombarded with images of a “healthy” marriage on TV and in movies for years. For that reason, many millennials enter marriage with high expectations. When these expectations are not met, disappointment can lead to dissatisfaction and the decision to part ways. Ultimately, the reality of marriage fails to meet their idealized expectations.
10. Lack of Religious Ties
According to Pew Research Center, millennials are often less religious than other generations. With decreasing religious affiliation, fewer couples feel bound by religious norms found within the institution of marriage. Phrases like “in sickness and in health” or “for better, for worse” aren’t resonating as strongly as they did before. This shift gives them more freedom to leave marriages that they feel are unfulfilling or problematic.
11. Increased Mobility
Long-distance relationships are often more common in the millennial generation. Many men and women in this age group are willing to relocate for work or move on a whim due to personal preference. Geographic separation can put a significant strain on marriages if both parties aren’t interested in living elsewhere. Often times, this type of conflict can be resolved with an honest discussion ahead of time.
12. Preference for Cohabitation
Many millennials prefer cohabitation before marriage, which studies have shown can lead to higher divorce rates. Cohabitation can create a form of relationship inertia that leads to marriage by convenience rather than strong commitment. As millennials face the prospect of marriage, it’s important for them to be honest about why they want to tie the knot. If it’s simply because you’ve already been living together, then you may want to reassess.
13. Health and Wellness Focus
Just because your partner isn’t as into CrossFit as you are, doesn’t mean you should get a divorce. Even so, many millennials are separating due to conflicts over dietary habits, exercise routines, and other health-related behaviors. It can be difficult to better yourself if your partner doesn’t share the same views. In some cases, these disparities in lifestyle choices lead married couples to get divorced.
14. Social Media Comparisons
The University of Texas at Austin reports that a staggering 86% of millennials are on social media. Through pictures and posts, these men and women are constantly exposed to idealized representations of life and marriage. Unfortunately, this is causing millennials to feel dissatisfied with their own relationships. The disparity between online portrayals and real life can fuel discontent and contribute to the decision to divorce.
15. Desire for Personal Growth
Many millennials view their personal and professional development as a lifelong process that should not be hindered by a relationship. If a marriage is seen as a barrier to personal growth, divorce might be considered a necessary step to continue evolving as an individual.
Better Marriages
With social media and more focus on self-improvement, millennials are facing unique marital challenges that weren’t previously present in other generations. Sometimes these problems become so pronounced, the couples decide to end their marriage for good. Millennial divorce may be on the rise, but with self-awareness and honest communication, these couples can navigate the struggles together. With any luck, they can navigate the changing landscape and overcome the issues that are leading to higher divorce rates.
Read More:
Think Divorce Is Your Only Option? These 12 Shocking Tips Might Save Your Marriage!
Searching for Love: 10 Ways Dating Is Different for Baby Boomers and Millennials
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.
Leave a Reply