Why Millennials' Marriages Are Poised to Outlast Those of Previous Generations

As some millennials are hitting ages where divorce appears ubiquitous, how do their experiences compare to those of previous generations?

A recent Reddit thread The post titled "Are there any happy marriages left or is it just me?" on the subreddit r/Millennials has ignited a discussion about the condition of millennial marriages, garnering more than 1,000 comments.

However, could content and determined millennial couples be considered an anomaly when it comes to marital happiness and persistence? Evidence supporting this notion includes statistical data along with expert opinions provided to , is a resounding no.

Despite concerns raised in the thread, millennials are actually divorcing at lower rates compared with their predecessors.

For instance, as reported by a Pew Research study, the divorce rate among baby boomers has nearly doubled from about 5 to 10 divorces per 1,000 individuals since the 1990s. Conversely, the divorce rate for millennials has declined by around 30% since 1990, decreasing from 33 to 23 marriages out of every 1,000 ending in divorce.

Comparable patterns have been noted in the UK. Data from 2021 provided by the Office for National Statistics indicates that just above 18 percent of millennials have experienced divorce within ten years of getting married, compared to approximately 23 percent of Generation X members and 22 percent of Baby Boomers.

Experts have shared with some of the reasons why millennial marriages might be faring so well . The consensus? More knowledge, equality and communication.

What Makes Millennial Marriages Different?

Experts spoke to about several generational shifts contributing to the success of millennial marriages.

Leigh Norén, a specialist in sex and relationship therapy, highlighted mainly that millennials’ increased interaction with social media compared to Generation X and Baby Boomers has resulted in a broader lexicon when discussing sensitive subjects.

Young people today appear more knowledgeable and at ease discussing subjects like mental well-being and sexual identity than earlier generations," she stated. "This shift is significant because it leads to greater awareness and comprehension of these issues, which in turn fosters more candid discussions around them.

Norén highlighted that millennial marriages often stress equality, especially concerning career goals: "Despite us having much progress left to make, partnerships today generally seem more balanced compared to before—particularly when it comes to professional aspirations… Nowadays, you have greater freedom to form the type of partnership you desire without feeling compelled to adhere strictly to traditional expectations about your desires or actions."

Therapist Mandolin Moody reinforced this view, noting that millennials' approach to relationships emphasizes a healthier equilibrium between intimacy, passion, and commitment compared to previous generations.

"The focus of millennials on equality, communication, and mutual comprehension has led many marriages to enjoy enhanced emotional closeness... as opposed to previous generations that might have prioritized commitment above other aspects of relationships," she explained.

Challenges to Millennial Marriages

Although the figures and professional opinions offer encouragement, millennial marriages still face various difficulties. As Norén points out, the rapid pace of contemporary living can negatively impact partnerships.

Today, everything moves at such a rapid pace, and we’re pressured to excel in every aspect of our lives: maintaining an impeccable home, following the latest fashion and beauty fads, enjoying a fulfilling romantic relationship, cultivating numerous intimate friendships, achieving professional success, and raising children too. In short, it’s overwhelming!

Moreover, even though social media aids in acquiring information and staying connected, it poses dual challenges particularly with regard to these stringent expectations.

Moody advised millennial couples to strike a balance between the pressures of contemporary life and greater emotional closeness, playfulness, and "fun"—which can be attained via common interests, frequent dates, and specific moments set aside for reflecting on their partnership.

A Brighter Outlook

Despite these challenges, millennial marriages are thriving in many ways. Experts like Norén and Moody agree that millennials' openness to therapy and emphasis on communication have contributed to healthier, more adaptable relationships.

Therapy, according to Moody, is no longer a last resort but a tool many millennial couples proactively use to strengthen their bonds.

The active effort it takes to maintain a relationship, including the cultivation of language to better understand each other and the willingness to take on taboo topics, seems to be part of the special sauce for millennials.

As one Redditor attests: "[Husband] and I started dating in 2012, married in 2015, kid in 2021, about to hit those ten years of married life. We are friends who happen to really love each other. It takes work. We both come from divorce , so we understood that we both needed to find someone willing to tackle the difficult tasks together."

For millennials, this dedication appears to be yielding benefits—leading to more content and secure marital relationships that debunk the misconception about them. marital doom .

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