No one ever expects their relationship to end after getting married, and yet even in this day and age, around 39 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce. Though divorce is never enjoyable for anyone involved, there’s always a reason for it. When you take a look at many couples’ divorces, some reasons for the split seem to pop up more often than others. Read on to learn more about some of the most common reasons why married couples get divorced.

Infidelity

Extramarital affairs are perhaps the most common reason why marriages end in divorce. Often, infidelity begins as a seemingly innocent friendship that gradually progresses to an emotional affair, and then a physical one. There are many reasons why people cheat, and they may not be as cut and dry as most would like to believe. Anger, neglect, resentment, differences in sexual interest, and a lack of emotional intimacy can all contribute to someone’s adultery. Still, the lack of trust and respect that often follows infidelity makes it difficult for many to reconcile after an affair, leading to divorce.

Finances

Money has long been one of the biggest sources of stress for couples. That stress often leads to breakups and divorce. Factors like one spouse making more money than the other, having different financial habits or goals, or simply not having enough money can strain a relationship. Since money has such a widespread impact on people’s lives, it’s no surprise that it’s such a frequent cause for divorce.

Lack Of Communication

Communication is one of the most important factors in a healthy relationship. Unfortunately, when two people are unable to openly and honestly talk to one another, relationships tend to break down quickly. Frequent yelling, not speaking for long stretches, insulting each other, and making otherwise unkind comments are all hallmarks of unhealthy communication. Poor communication shows a lack of mindfulness and respect for the other, which is not a basis for a strong relationship.

Constant Fighting

Divorce PapersFrom everyday bickering to frequent shouting matches, discord can take its toll on a relationship and everyone involved in it. Constant fighting leaves both parties feeling unappreciated and misunderstood. Often, people have a hard time seeing the situation from the other person’s perspective. This causes a lot of arguments to end without resolution.

Unrealistic Expectations

Often, people go into their marriage with high expectations. They see their partner for who they could be and ignore the person that they are. It is, however, impossible to live up to such lofty expectations. This can put a lot of stress on the other person and make them feel like they are not good enough. Meanwhile, the other person feels constantly let down because their partner is not the person they thought they would be. In the end, having unrealistic expectations of the other person puts too much stress on the relationship and frequently leads to divorce.