Divorce

This week, I’ve come to understand more about divorce and remarriage. Here are a few statistics about divorce in the United States.

70% of couples say it wasn’t a good idea to divorce 2 years post divorce

70% of men are remarried prior to divorce

½ of all marriages in the United States end in divorce

What are some of your thoughts about these statistics?

I think these stats are very interesting to comprehend. In my opinion, divorce is becoming more of a trend in our country. There are many different reasons that couples get a divorce. Some causes of divorce include; socioeconomic status, age at marriage, social integration, race, infidelity, conflict, changed feelings and perspectives, and emotional problems, etc. A cause of divorce that stands out to me the most is age at marriage. As I have been attending BYU-Idaho, I have heard many couples get a divorce because of the age they were when they got married. Many couples of my faith tend to get married at a younger age because of our beliefs. In general, couples that get married at a younger age do not necessarily comprehend the responsibility that comes with the commitment that they make. Of course, there are couples that fully anticipate the responsibilities that they will undergo but personally, I am not married and I can’t imagine getting married at a young age. But, there are those that definitely make the relationship work and last who do get married at a younger age. What are some of your thoughts of those that get divorce because of the age at marriage? Another cause of divorce that stood out to me was socioeconomic status. Finances play a major role in a relationship and when needs aren’t met it can create a serious conflict between the couple. Have you had experiences with the stress of finances in your marriage if you are married? What seems to work for you and what do you recommend?

In general, divorce can be a very hard experience for an individual. I have known couples in my own life that have gone through a divorce. Being on the outside of what they had experienced, it is always hard to see them go through such a trying time. I think it is so important that we are aware of their needs as they go through this difficult time. I know that when we are there for those who are struggling especially with divorce it helps them feel that they are not alone. We need to think more of others as our friends, family, and others who might go through this experience. What do you think are some ways that you can help those who are struggling with divorce? If you have or are currently going through a divorce, what has helped you to overcome or helped you to move forward through this stressor?

In conclusion, There is a quote that I would love to share and it is from President Gordon B. Hinckley. He said, "Somehow forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way." As an individual accepts the trial of divorce, it can help them to move forward in their lives. I think forgiving yourself plays a major role in this process of divorce. This can help the individual to adjust and help them recognize their worth. I hope that we as individuals can empathize with those that have gone through divorce. I cannot express this enough because we need to not let individuals go through something like this on their own.