Is Divorce Socially Contagious?

We’ve told you before that obesity and financial savvy are socially contagious. In other words, if your friends are overweight or bad with money, chances are you will be, too. Why? Because you begin to think it’s normal. Well, guess what – divorce may be socially contagious, too! That’s the latest intelligence from U.S. News & World Report. Dr. Robi Ludwig is a psychotherapist. She says if the people around you are having marital problems – or decide to split up – you might be tempted to see divorce as a possible solution for your problems.

For example: The case of Al and Tipper Gore. They called it quits after 40 years of marriage, and they might have caught the splitting bug from their daughters. Karenna Gore Schiff separated from her husband several months ago, and Kristin Gore divorced her husband last year. No matter how long a couple’s been married, there are a few factors that can destroy any relationship.

• For example, contempt or mockery. Like they laugh at your dreams, undermine your efforts, or brush off your concerns as foolish. Bottom line: It’s tough to stay married to someone who doesn’t respect or support you.
• Another factor that can ruin any relationship: unequal salaries. A lot of couples are uncomfortable when the wife earns more money than her husband, mostly because women who make more money than their husbands eventually get angry that they have to take care of everything, and it can make them lose respect for their spouses.
• A serious illness can also make or break a marriage. Some spouses love being caregivers because it makes them feel needed. One woman mentioned in the article said her husband was great when she had breast cancer, but he left once her treatments were over, and ended up marrying someone else with a chronic illness!
• The final factor that can ruin any marriage: One of you feels like you’re missing out on life, whichis more likely to happen with couples who got married young – or are overwhelmed by child-rearing responsibilities.

No matter why you’re thinking of divorcing, experts say you should take a year to try to salvage your marriage – unless the problems are related to drugs, alcohol, gambling or domestic abuse. To find a couples counselor, check out the website TherapistFinder.com.