While divorce rates are high across the board, there are certain factors make it less likely that your marriage will end in divorce. By identifying these factors, you can build a marriage that is more likely to endure the test of time.
Couples Older than 25
The failure rates for young marriages are high, but those numbers drop significantly when both partners are older than 25. The theory is that older couples are more mature, more financially stable and better able to resolve conflict. Whatever the reasons for the trend, statistics show that your marriage is more likely to last if you wait.
Couples Who Have Still-Married Parents
If your parents and your intended’s parents are still married, your chances of divorce drop significantly. Having a model of what marriage is like and how to resolve conflict will make it more likely that you will be able to navigate through the rough waters that often accompany marriage.
Couples Who Live in “Blue States”
Blue states, or those that vote primarily Democratic, tend to be liberal, which would seemingly make them more likely to have high divorce numbers. Statistics have shown, however, that the opposite is true. Blue states like New York, New Hampshire and Vermont have some of the lowest divorce rates in the country. Experts believe this is due to relatively higher rates of wealth and employment and higher educational attainment—factors that have been shown to lessen the likelihood of divorce.
Couples Who Share Religious Affiliation
Interfaith marriage is common in the United States and abroad, but statistics show that marriages are more likely to last when the couples share their religious conviction. Couples don’t even have to have religious beliefs in order for this statistic to hold true. Atheists have some of the lowest rates of divorce in America.
While statistics show that some groups have lower rates of divorce than others, couples counseling can level the playing field and make it more likely that your marriage will survive.