by Aretha P. Crowder

Created on: October 24, 2009   Last Updated: October 26, 2009

The divorce statistics in the United States reflect an alarming rate, currently at 50% among all marriages. This means that there's a 50% probability that half of all marriages will end in divorce. Although the numbers may sound alarming, the reasons behind the high divorce rate aren't. These are the issues that many couples struggle with on a daily basis. Likewise, these are the top reasons why people divorce.

What are the top reasons people divorce?

1. Lack of Communication- When a marriage lacks communication, this is the first sign of trouble. A communication breakdown leads to misunderstandings and misery. When a couple can't properly communicate, or one spouse isn't interested in communicating, the marriage is certainly headed for disaster. Communication is the number one factor that must be present in any relationship in order to assure that needs (emotionally, spiritually, physically, financially, etc.) are being met.

2. Financially Irresponsible / Financial Issues- When a couple is suffering due to a financial hardship or crisis, this certainly places a barrier in the marriage. Financial issues often contribute to the majority of tension within a marriage. Likewise, having to deal with a spouse who's financially irresponsible, such as an impulse spender, could also damage a marriage because the impulse spending could jeopardize more immediate needs of the family, such as the mortgage payment or the utility bills.

3. Infidelity- Another major reason that contributes to the alarming divorce rate is the issue of infidelity in marriages. This is a tough issue in marriages because infidelity contributes to many other problems such as STD's, unwanted pregnancies, lack of trust, and imminent marital breakdown.

4. Addictions: Alcohol, Internet Porn, Substance Abuse- When a spouse has an addiction, regardless of the type of addiction, this creates conflict within the marriage. Although there is counseling available for many types of addictions, some people may reach a full recovery, and others may not. When a person enters relapse, he/she returns to the behavior(s) that contributed to the marital breakdown. This behavior further destroys the marriage, leading to the likelihood that the couple will divorce.

5. Trust Issues- The trust issue, or lack of trust, is also another reason why people divorce. What is the point in staying in a marriage with a spouse who's not trustworthy, and has given you every reason not to trust him/her? Trust, as well as communication, is the foundation for a solid marriage. A lack of trust in a marriage further leads to insecurities and eventual divorce.

6. Irreconcilable Differences- These are the issues that arise outside of the typical problems many couples have. This means that the couple has exhausted all means of reconciliation, and the marriage has suffered irreparable damage.

7. Incompatibility- When a couple realizes that they lack compatibility, there are ways to spice up the marriage if both partners agree to improve the marriage. You may often find yourself thinking that you've encountered the ideal person, at first. However, after the vows, and after the honeymoon, you may find yourself doubting your decision to marry that person. A lack of compatibility in a marriage can also contribute to divorce because the other spouse may venture out to find someone with who they feel more compatible, thus contributing to infidelity, lack of trust, and eventually divorce.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why people divorce. Many of the issues leading to divorce are serious issues that often lead to irreparable marriages, or marriages that can't be repaired. The statistics reflect that 50% of all marriages in the U.S. will end in divorce.

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