Should you break up or stay together?
Infidelity and divorce often go hand in hand. Almost nothing is more devastating for a relationship than infidelity. What’s more, infidelity can take on different forms. One form is having affairs that involve sexual relations with other partners. Another form is emotional infidelity where the spouse gives their emotional allegiance to someone else. In addition, a spouse can be unfaithful through financial infidelity.
Any of these types of infidelity can be heart-breaking. What’s more, any of them can lead to divorce.
Facts about Infidelity and Divorce
According to relationship expert Lucy Beresford, speaking in a TEDx video, infidelity is the number one reason for relationship breakdowns throughout the world.
The journal of Marriage and Divorce estimates that 70% of Americans cheat at least once in their marriage. Other surveys and research provide lower estimates.
For example, LA Intelligence Detective Agency indicates:
- An estimated 30 to 60 percent of married couples will cheat at least once during their marriage.
- They also state 69 percent of marriages end due to discovering an affair has occurred.
- Most affairs happen with co-workers or close friends.
- Affairs typically last two years.
According to Legaljobs.io, the U.S. divorce rate is currently between 40 to 50 percent.
People understand sexual infidelity, but what about emotional or financial cheating?
Emotional cheating
Emotional cheating is forming a relationship with another friend or even a family member that is deep, inappropriate and excludes the marital partner. It can gradually erode the closeness spouses experienced in their marital relationship.
Financial cheating
Financial cheating takes the form of hidden back accounts, credit cards or even hiding debt. Having monetary secrets from a spouse can break down a relationship, especially when a spouse lies about finances.
Changing cultural perspectives
In decades past, people frowned on divorce. In fact, a social stigma existed that expected couples to overcome their marital challenges. Cultural mores urged them to stay together.
However, today, divorce is much more prevalent. In fact, couples turning to friends or family for advice often hear reasons why they should divorce. They may even feel pressured to end their relationship.
Are you considering divorce?
If you’re considering divorce, it might be wise to begin with counseling to see if you can save your marriage. Also get a legal opinion. Gather information so you are aware of what divorce entails and how it applies to your situation.
The Law Office of Lindsey J. Wilson provides legal representation for clients in cases involving family law, custody and support, divorce, property division and modifications and enforcement.