While overall divorce rates declined over the past 20 years, those rates are still concerning to many onlookers. Currently, legal industry statistics state that roughly 2.5 per 1000 of the population sought a divorce in 2021. That may not seem significant, but remember that marriage rates also declined, and the rates do not consider unmarried couples who elect to go their separate ways.
One interesting note is that, since 2016, divorce rates among some segments of the population have been increasing. That phenomenon is often called “The Trump Effect.” Most people are aware that the rift between the right and left ends of the political spectrum rarely agree on anything, but not everyone understands that rift often includes the relationships between Alabama couples. Sometimes, the political differences are so great the couple’s relationship is destroyed.
The potential link between political viewpoints and divorce is significant enough that experts are now looking at the underlying reasons for conflict, how the consequences impact relationships, and the steps couples can take to mitigate their political differences.
Cullman divorce lawyers work with clients to determine whether some form of intervention could resolve marital issues, but not all couples are willing to try counseling or other strategies to resolve their differences. The couples don’t feel their differences can be overcome and believe they are better off striking out on a new path. While divorce may be a solution for some individuals, other couples feel seeking ways to reconnect are worth the effort. Here are a few things Alabama couples are encouraged to consider when they encounter relationship issues.
First, Alabama has been a staunchly conservative state for years. However, since 2016, the state’s residents’ political views have seen a polarization that’s far more radical than in the past. As political views became more disparate, couples frequently discovered they no longer shared the same beliefs. The negativism routinely seen in politics quickly spread to interpersonal relationships, and the chasm between couples grew.
Remember that politics has created rifts in all types of relationships. Issues between friends and family members have been exacerbated by the divisions commonly seen in the public sector since 2016, with more than one in ten relationships suffering. Some age groups, notably Millennials, experienced more relationship difficulties in recent years. One report states that roughly 22 percent of Millennials ended a romantic relationship because of political differences. So, why did that happen?
First, couples who argue about politics are more likely to see those differences impact all areas of their relationship as communications break down. In many instances, constructive discussions become heated arguments when couples no longer share a common perspective. Successful marriages are based on trust, and that trust is threatened when heated political disagreements become the norm in a relationship.
Next, marriage experts suggest that political beliefs reflect a person’s core values and belief systems. Even when couples feel they know their partner well, differences in some beliefs should always be expected. However, experts are seeing relationships deteriorate more significantly since 2016, and couples report feelings of resentment and disillusionment with their partners as the political scene altered Alabama’s overall environment.
In addition, relationship experts report that the political polarization experienced by couples typically leads to more extreme emotional responses when even minor issues develop. In many cases, couples who find themselves disagreeing on political issues are more likely to see dissolving their marriage as the only reasonable alternative. That’s especially true when one partner finds the other’s views as being morally objectionable.
Finally, political differences spill over into other aspects of a relationship. When children are involved, political differences directly impact parenting. Politics often affects the decision-making process when parents try to discuss basic issues like education and healthcare options for children. Of course, the children also witness discord, and that affects their emotional state.
When couples marry, they pledge to set aside their differences and accept their partner as is. However, things change. That’s when couples discover differences they were not aware of before their marriage. In some cases, couples are unable to get past the new revelations and decide to divorce. Many divorces are now increasingly public, which makes things worse for everyone involved.
However, other couples look for ways to mitigate their issues. There are a few strategies couples use when attempting to repair their marriages. Here are some examples of mitigation strategies relationship experts routinely recommend when working with couples experiencing problems.
Arguably the best way to resolve differences in a marriage is to have an open and respectful dialogue. However, that’s not always easy for the couple to accomplish. Active listening skills are crucial here, which suggests couples may want to obtain professional assistance to develop or improve those skills. In any discussion, the couple must avoid any personal attacks, as that would derail the discussion quickly.
If a couple experiences difficulties discussing their issues, mediation is an option to explore. Mediators are trained to facilitate discussions when couples have problems staying on track, and that makes having a constructive dialog possible. While mediators may suggest possible solutions when issues stall a session’s process, the ultimate decisions of how to proceed are left to the couple.
The third strategy is for the couple to recognize their shared goals and values rather than focusing on political differences. In many cases, the couple will realize the good parts of their relationship outweigh the bad, and they’ll work out a way to get past the politics and mend their relationship.
Finally, the couple is encouraged to create an environment where empathy and compassion are actively encouraged. The couple entered marriage with the intent of remaining together forever, and that’s still possible if both parties are willing to explore ways they can practice compassion and understanding as a couple.
While many couples in Alabama can reconcile and move past their political differences, others are not so fortunate. If the marriage appears to be irretrievable, now is the time to speak with an attorney and determine a path to the future. To get your questions answered, contact an attorney today.
