by Ann E. Smith

Created on: May 10, 2009   Last Updated: May 18, 2009

Marriage is not easy, by all accounts. The reality is that even happy marriages require work. As marriage is all about compromise, trust and respect, it is easy to see why it can be challenging.

Marriage can also be fulfilling. There is nothing quite like a true partner in life. But with that being the case, why is the divorce rate so high all over the world? Why do marriages fail?

Below are some of the main reasons. Oftentimes, though, it is not just one thing but a combination of factors that contribute to the failure of a marriage.

* Marriage requires a great deal of work and commitment. Many people are unwilling to put a great deal of effort into it.

One of the main reasons that marriages fail is that people go into it thinking it is going to be the same as when they dated. Marriage may just be the next step for young people who think they are in love. They have had a great time dating, and have no idea how much things will change when they marry.

Once the honeymoon is over and the newness wears off, a marriage requires work and commitment for it to grow and mature. It is nothing like dating.

Let's look at an example. Your boyfriend may be full of charm when you date him, but he may be hiding his dark moods from you. Or his sloppy habits. Once you are married, he can let his guard down and be himself.

That is where the problems arise. Once the marriage is sealed, many husbands and wives start showing their true colors. They are not quite as agreeable as they once were. They are not easy to live with, and they want their way all of the time.

When the realities of marriage kick in and the glamour fades, many people get overwhelmed. They were more in love with being in love than with their spouse. They would rather just call it quits than work through issues.

Sometimes marriages go well for a number of years, and then hit a rocky patch. What if one person in the marriage cannot handle the tough times, and just wants to get out of it? Sadly, this happens frequently due to a lack of willingness to put forth hard work and effort.

* Addiction or infidelity enters the marriage.

Addictions, such as alcohol, drug abuse, overspending and eating disorders, can kill a marriage. The reason is that an addict usually becomes a stranger to their spouse. And, addiction is often progressive.

What may have seemed like a little problem in the early days can grow into the ugliness of full-blown addiction very quickly. If one or both parties in the marriage

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