Relationships: Does forever mean forever anymore?

In today’s world there is an ongoing debate today on whether most marriages end in divorce or whether they should last a life time.  Many individuals who I have spoken to, generally believe that most marriages will end in divorce for some type of reason, but there are a few individuals, including myself, who still believe in the idea of “happily ever after.”  Even though there is a slight decline in divorce rates within the United States many individuals believe more than half of marriages will end up in divorce, but I still believe that marriage should be a lifelong commitment.

According to the United States Census Bureau the divorce rate in the United States from 1993 through 2013 has dropped from an all-time high.   More and more marriages are finding ways to work things out today instead of ending in divorce. Some of those couples are going to counseling to work out their problems, some want to stay together for their children, and most couples find it more economically sensible to stay together.  According to one counselor “more and more couples are going to therapy today to understand why their marriages are not working out and what they can do to avoid divorce.”  This is a great sign to America because couples are willing to spend more money and time in order to save their marriage and not go for the easy way out.  For couples who have children, divorce will have the biggest impact on them because they no longer live in a home with both of their parents, according to clinical psychiatrist Dr. Nathan Dial.  Many couples feel obligated to work out their problems, so their family can stay together and nothing will happen to children to cause any type of harm. 

Although divorce rates are down, there are still a number of individuals who believe most marriages will end in divorce.  I had the chance to talk to many random individuals to discuss this broad issue on what they believe and overwhelmingly most of these individuals believed more than half of marriages today will end in divorce.  Some of the answers I received were mind blowing. One male individual said “why should people get married when they will end up hating each other after a few years.”  The general public’s perception on marriages today is mind-boggling, but it’s their right to feel this way because of the United States past divorce rates being so extraordinary high. After talking to these individuals I shared with them that the United States divorce rates have dropped in recent years and more marriages are staying together. To say the least, most of these individuals were stunned with this information. 

Divorce and marriage rates          from 1996 to 2012                                                                                                   It is my opinion that marriages are meant to be a lifelong commitment between two individuals. When asking married couples how they made it through many years, throughout all of the answers I found two that were common, which was between communication and tenacity. One woman, whom has been married to her husband for 49 years, told me that no matter how mad you are at your husband, never stop talking things out and never go to bed angry. She also stated that you should stay committed to each other but always put God first. One answer that really stuck with me was from a woman who has been married for twenty two years. She told me that marriage is like a roller coaster, it has its ups and downs but when its down, don’t just jump off , hang on until you’re back up again.

                                                                                                    

 

 

      

This report has proven that marriages not only are becoming more likely to succeed but also that marriage is a conscious decision that you make every day. Sometimes the decision is hard, and other times it is easy but you have to commit on making that decision daily. The battle between marriage and divorce should concern all of us, whether we are in a relationship or not because when the time comes for marriage you will know how to work things out for the better. I know this information has really helped me for marital knowledge. From the words of one of my favorite bible verses, 1st Corinthians 13:4-5, love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered it does not keep records of wrongs.