5 Surprising Things That Increase Your Divorce Risk, According to Research

We all know about some of the reasons why couples divorce: financial disagreements, extramarital affairs, and lack of communication. But as it turns out, some of the most significant factors that determine your chances of getting divorced are things you’d never even consider.

Here are five surprising things that increase your risk of divorce, according to science.

1. The Age You Get Married

Have you ever heard that young love is less likely to work out?

Well, it turns out that this is true. Research from the Institute of Family Studies has found that couples who get married under the age of 25 are more likely to get divorced. Since young couples often don’t know who they are yet or what they want in the future, it only makes sense that they’re more likely to get divorced.

What may surprise you is that studies have also found that getting married after the age of 32 can increase your divorce risk, too. The reason? Since older couples tend to be set in their ways, they often tend to have a more difficult time compromising.

So, what is the best age to get married? Some research indicates that 28 to 32 is the sweet spot.

2. Your Profession

Finding a work-life balance is key to a successful marriage. You’ve probably heard that specific careers are more prone to divorce, but it’s not just about what you do. It’s also how much you do it.

Studies have shown that when one partner works 50+ hours a week, there is a significantly higher divorce rate. Research shows that the risk goes up even further when it’s the woman who works long hours.

Jobs where there’s a high level of stress, travel, or irregular hours also tend to have higher divorce rates. Working in healthcare, aviation, and law enforcement puts you at a much higher risk. Gaming managers, massage therapists, and bartenders are also more likely to get divorced.

Career and marriage matter. Spending too much time apart or carrying too much stress can weaken your connection or desire for intimacy.

3. Your Friends’ Marital Status

You know the old saying, “We are what our friends are?”

This may be true when it comes to our divorce risk. A study out of Harvard University found that if you have a close friend who gets divorced, your own divorce risk increases by 75%. Having a friend of a friend who gets divorced can increase your own chance of getting divorced by 33%.

This phenomenon is known as social contagion. When you see someone else leave an unhappy marriage and thrive, it can make you question your own relationship and give you the encouragement you need to leave.

4. How You Handle the Small Stuff

Rolling your eyes at your significant other might not seem like a huge deal, but it’s actually one of the biggest red flags for divorce, according to relationship expert Dr. John Gottman. Other red flags? Sarcasm, name-calling, mockery, and hostile humor.

These are all signs of contempt, which is one of the most toxic emotions in relationships. Contempt shows lack of respect, and it tends to lead to destructive conflict.

5. The Size and Cost of Your Wedding

A fairytale wedding might seem like the key to a happy marriage, but not necessarily.

There is a correlation between wedding cost and divorce. An Emory University study found that couples who spend more than $20,000 on their wedding are 3.5 times more likely to divorce. Simple weddings are more likely to produce longer-lasting marriages.

However, the size of your wedding also matters. Couples who invite more than 200 guests are actually less likely to divorce. Having a strong support system matters more than how much you spend on your wedding.

The Bottom Line

If you believe that any of these factors apply to your marriage, it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s doomed. These factors aren’t the only thing that determines your divorce risk. That being said, small choices can add up. Being aware of the risks, making an effort to spend more time together, and being kind to your partner can help lower your risk.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.