Having someone in the relationship listen to Dr.Laura all the time.

Money

Well, I believe it starts from the beginning. Most people are so worried about throwing this big, elaborate, beautiful wedding, that they forget about what happens afterward. When your husband won't pick up his smelly socks, and you chew with your mouth open. People forget that this ISN'T Cinderella. It isn't going to be super perfect, and everyone is happy all the time. Marriage takes work, and you have to put in effort. Your children aren't going to be born as perfect kids- you'll have to raise them and discipline them. People don't think about THAT part of marriage, they only see the party. I think THAT is the main reason people get divorced, because they don't expect real life to come at them- so they give up, and look for that fairy tale again. This may not be the technical answer you were looking for, but it's the most "real" it's gonna get. My guess as to which box they check? "Irreconcilable differences".

I can only comment from my perspective but it was marrying far too young and outgrowing and/or becoming differant people wanting different things... oh well such is life....

Because they don't want to be married to each other any more.

Selfishness, not thinking about the other person.

There are many different reasons for people divorcing. Many of the answers already here are really good ones. On a more somber note, and one people often don't want to hear about is domestic violence. In this last case there is no other option.

People today just are not taking marriage serious today. It should be a life long commitment. But it takes two to work a marriage. I think this is were the link is broken! It also takes time spent apart, so that you are allowed to miss your partner, to appreciate them in your life. To put it simple, marriage is a bond of two and when one works at trying to keep the marriage together, then that is when two becomes one!

The number one cause of divorce in the world today is... Marriage. No, seriously, money issues or 'incompatibility'

Being divorced once I can tell you there is not one main reason for a couple to divorce. She spends to much money, he hunts or golfs to much, she has gained to much weight and well sex is not the same. He cheats,she cheats, he just doesn't love her or beats her, she can't get along with his mother and hates it because he would rather watch football than go shopping with her. They have kids and she has no time for him which causes him to feel unappreciated, she cooks and cleans and works at a job and he fusses because supper was late and she feels unappreciated. They just wake up and realize they just do not love each other anymore. So many people today go into a marriage with the attitude of "well if it doesn't work out I can just get divorced". Its easier to quit than work at it. I am divorced and have been in a unhappy marriage and honestly sometimes to be happy you have to quit. Sometimes you are just being selfish by quitting. Either way there is usually never one main reason.

could be a number of different reasons 1. rushed into marriage before thinking it through. 2. thought that they were in love but was not 3. were in love but didn't work out their problems just a few thoughts.

We live in a microwave and throw-away society. We want everything now, without taking the time to think things through. Some people may not view marriage for the long haul. They may go in with the mindset, "Well if it doesn't work out..." Also, is things don't go according to plan, people are so quick to dispose of it and not work it out.

Now... not sure. I know that the rise of divorces in the United States through the 1900's curiously coincided with the availability of birth control to the population. If memory serves me correctly, it was around 15 percent when bc was totally unavailable, and as the percent of people who had access to bc rose, so did the divorce rates. Interesting study. It would be much higher if you included the number of people having children who never bothered to get married.

This is a saddening statistic. What is it like some 60% of all new married couples will get a divorce? I believe the direct cause of this is because of the lack of proper parenting, the influences hollywood has on society, and the fact that so many people today like the easy way out, assume marriage is going to be fun, rush into it, and refuse to work to make it better instead, like with everything else in their life, quiting is just easier. Marriage counseling is not necessary in non religious weddings.

I believe it's because we have become selfish and are quick to throw away relationships if they aren't fitting into exactly what we want. No one wants to compromise or work things out anymore. We all just want a quick fix. We also don't have any good role models anymore.

spouses want half the other spouse's holdings. as a spouse they generally have nothing and no cash of their own. when they devorce they get monthly payments and a sizeable check for half the sale of the house and the stock portfolio. that gives them a nest egg to move forward and leave a spouse that neglects love and caring.

It's actually been steady for about 25 years now.

In which country? The divorce rate has held fairly steady in the United States since 1970 or earlier, and is actually at its lowest (2007) since 1970. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8P1MG601&show_article=1

In which country? The divorce rate has held fairly steady in the United States since 1970 or earlier, and is actually at its lowest (2007) since 1970. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8P1MG601&show_article=1 What you will see throughout the developed world is a significant increase in divorce when women gained true legal and economic independence, and then a leveling out.

My guess is the root cause is a decrease in respect.

Assuming that's true, I would make an educated guess and say that a large part of the reason is financial in origin. With the downturn in economic matters over the last several years, and the fact that a huge majority of marital arguments revolve around money, I'd guess that's the reason.

Maybe people are marrying for the wrong reasons? I really don't know...but would like to :)

I think people know divorce is always an option and it's becoming a trend . "I don't like you anymore i'm divorcing you ! " It's so easy to do. The problem is there are children who get hurt .

The attitude towards marriage has changed a lot over the years. Personally, I hope I never have to get a divorce.

People just don't know the meaning of work, like they use to.

Apathy. Short sweet and to the point. but it makes alot of sense!

Lack of maturity & respect for each other. It starts with one always taking & not considering what they are placing on their partner because they think because were married they will take what ever to make the marriage work. Then when it falls apart they won't to blame the other because they were to immature to do the right thing first time around & respect the other partner & after years of feeling taken advantage of the other partner gives up & moves on. It sometimes seems when 1 spouse falls out of love after taking so much crap & they are ready to move on thats when the other one falls in love with them. Weird & another reason I think they are divorcing is because they can afford to because for me personally I'd been out of my marriage years ago if I could've afforded to make it on my own & not lose everything I need to make it everyday such a home or car to get to work.

cheating spouses

ould tink cheating or lieing...but sometimes the just figure out that they dont really get along and would be better as friends

lack of commitment that leads to cheating and bunch of other crap that leads to divorce

There are many reasons but I think most of them come down to this: Unrealistic Expectations. Perhaps a better question would be what's the best way to keep it working. To that I'd say be tolerant of your partner's faults and shortcomings; understand and try to satisfy their needs. And -- Don't Expect Too Much from your partner. Accept what you are given as a gift. And be Grateful.

Because you get put in jail for murder!

Im not quite up to date on the current statistics but my reason was that my ex was (is) a complete asshole and I didnt want to be with him anymore.

My bet is on lack of communication and respect. If you don't talk to and/or think less of your partner then you do of yourself then your relationship will not last. It can lead off to many many other things, but I think that is the root.

People not wanting to be married any longer.

Here are the top 10 reasons for divorce compiled by official paperwork, court cases, divorce lawyers, marriage counselors/psychiatric profession/clergy, and surveys of over 20k divorcees. If anything, you have to look at the Sexual Incompatibility explanation. I taught these in depth and with discussion and that one was at first intuitive but then when you really think and even discuss the whys, what ifs, and wows, it is very interesting based on both biology alone and when correlated with studies of marriage/divorce statistics, length of marriage success across demographics that usually have higher divorce rates etc. 1. Infidelity Infidelity is a reaction to other dissatisfactions but is not typically itself the initial cause of the marriage's real breakdown. Still, with infidelity cited as the cause in 1/3 of divorces and surveys state adultery is a component in over 1/2 of failed marriages it must be emphasized. It matters not where the roots of infidelity form-the pain of infidelity is deep and widespread and will overshadow any underlying problem that will never have the chance to be satisfied. 2. Communication breakdown Couples gradually grow in separate directions resulting in the inability to communicate productively. Rather than having a healthy argument resulting in compromise followed by a sense of intimacy as they make up-the argument is harsh, personal, off topic, and critical. Rather than resolution, it ends with a slam of a door and sleeping in different rooms. Fearing escalation, the issue is bottled up, festers, until, finally, BOOM, round 2. This fight is so vicious trust is broken and toleration and fear become the only commonalities. 3. Physical, psychological, or emotional abuse Where either spouse is frequently abusive towards children or each other. 4. Financial issues Financial issues are at the top of most lists where unmet needs are made worse by seeking relief in a myriad of behaviors that lead to divorce. Couples of every income level must set budgets and spending limits, manage credit/ratings, investing, and money allocation. Even in higher income families, differences in preset expectations can cause resentment- the princess can't face the gals at pilates when the promised dream house and luxury car aren't forthcoming. A job loss, a bad economy or downturn in chosen career sector, credit overextension, and other paths leading to financial disaster can cause guilt, or resentment. Spouse(s) may seek a quick fix that can make their finance worse- invest hastily, use home/car equity and spend cash, live off credit. This can make the entire marriage spiral and lead to further vices including addictive and illegal behavior or seeking comfort outside the marriage. The issue in finances is that living on the fringe can lead to a small dip that can be ridden out with a cohesive strategy but it is obvious from looking at bankruptcy, foreclosure, and divorce statistic headlines....the emergency plan should be made before the hurricane hits the doublewide (I survive all the biggies down here on the gulf....) 5. Sexual incompatibility Biological studies cite sex drive strength is similar/ compatible/satisfying throughout life for women and men in couples aged about 10 years apart. Marrying in their 20s, today's couples are aged about 3 years apart. As they approach their 30s, their sex drive strength tend to fall out of synch. At this junction dissatisfaction in the amount and intensity of sex is a top complaint. Biologically, the couple will not naturally reach some magical sexual compatibility. Unless a concerted effort to compromise, tender a solution, and create a sense of compatibility is made, ignoring this will likely erase any sense of intimacy and romance in all areas of their partnership and risk moving into a "life of celibacy" which is cited in many divorces (and sitcoms!). 6. Boredom Biologically speaking, humans'preference is to pair for about 7 years before changing mates. While well matched couples may stay together for life, most do not. Many couples grow distant and disinterested with each other. Possibly, marrying too young, too fast, prior to the start of intense career (medical school, lawyer),lack of mutual/individual hobbies, once common activity no longer realistic (school, pre-career job, pre-family party couple). 7. Religious and cultural strains Couples of mixed ethnicity, religion, or from different cultures may feel pressured by the expectations of their spouse, or their spouse's culture to conform to the ideals of the other. 8. Child rearing Opposite views on proper child rearing methods, including a perceived lack of or over involvement; abuse; or incompetence in dealing with discipline. 9. Addiction An addiction is an acquired compulsion to repeatedly engage in an activity to the point that it negatively affects other priorities. So it is possible to be addicted to food, gambling, drugs, alcohol, games, the Internet, porn, shopping... Many times these behaviors manifest when life takes a downturn. You find you don't have open communication with your partner nor a crisis strategy built into your marriage where the strength of your partnership provides the security and relief you crave. So you seek temporary pain relief to get you through the rough patch. Of course, that can escalate by consuming more of your time, energy, possessions, money, job, and/or health. Your once minor distraction becomes more important than your responsibilities until you finally spiral downward risking everything and everyone in your life. These divorces are usually devastating with many threats, last chances, promises, separations, returns, recycles.....high drama. 10. Differences in priorities and expectations Situations where married couples have found marriage or their spouse to be so drastically different from what they expected. It also happens where one spouse undergoes a sudden change in life priorities such as death in the family, unable to conceive/change in desire for children, loss of job, severe medical trauma, etc.

loss of trust, loss of respect

It is the cool thing to do these days,that is what it seems like people these days will get a divorce over the most stupid things, that could have been worked out if they really tried.I think the main reason why it is going on so much is because divorce is a common thing and it is the easy way out.

Stats show that it's financial stress.

Marriage.

I'd say money, and just the fact that nobody takes marriage seriously these days and they think that if they are going through a rough time that they can just throw marriage away like a regular relationship.. it's so sad to me. :[

Mainly it is money but I believe 'falling out of love ' should qualify!

As we change and evolve socially and our expectations and needs of one another change as well, people kind of tend to hold on to an outdated ideal on the one hand and then realize half way through it that it wasn't something that they could commit to. I think it is a great thing... But in the end how many people these days are in anything for the long haul? We are a culture immersed in, the minute by minute, instant kind of gratification. Marriage is not realistic anymore because many people don't even know what love is. When you love someone, as long as they are not detrimental to your health or sanity... Making a decision to stick with that person is a two way sacrifice that we as a nation, just outgrew. No one wants to be responsable or accountable anymore for anyone but themselves. It is far worse with men unfortunately. I think it is because gender confusion and role reversal. It causes confusion and like I sad above, outdated ideals and morals that we just don't have the patience for anymore even though we still attempt to make things work. Why? I don't know?

Incompatibility,no communication,no sex,not friends,too opposite,children,money,stress.UGHH!!Tooo many to mention,lol!

Bad addiction (alcohol, smoking, porn)

They loose hope and think things will never get anybetter and give up. And we forget how to forgive.

Abuse, plain and simple is the main reason for divorce. Deception of all kinds, over-spending, buying things behind the partner's back, cheating, being selfish and not considering the person you are married to before making a major decision affecting the couple, this is all abuse. Abuse is not only physical assaults and name-calling. Pathological selfishness is mental illness and abusive. It destroys marriages. One person trying hard cannot save a marriage. A partnership takes two people.

we have bred a "ME" society. a marriage is about "WE". Women have forgotton how to overlook the imperfections of their husbands. Men have forgotton how to put the FAMILY first.

I would guess it parallels the desire of most kids for separate bedrooms. You want personal space and privacy. If your parents can afford it, you get your private bedroom. By late teens, you realize that you want even more freedom so you move out, and into a place of your own. I think the more important question is Why do people marry in the first place? We've come a long way from our agrarian roots and the need for permanent coupling. Marriage is a kind of regression to taking a roommate. After a few years of dealing with an eccentric or annoying roommate you realize that you were better off with your own room--soon to be followed by your own residence. Hello, D-i-v-o-r-c-e.