“FIGHTS AND FEUDS”
by Contributor
(Jan. 30, 2020) — Statistics from the CDC show that the divorce rate in 2019 stood at 3.2 for every thousand citizens. That rate actually decreased in the years 2008 through to 2016. That all sounds like great news; however, the same report also points out that the marriage rate is falling, which could indicate both matrimony and divorce are unachievable for many people in the USA.
Attorneys often state that they see a decrease in the number of people filing for divorce during December, but that as we turn the corner into the new year, those rates increase, with more men and women seeking a ‘new year, new them.’ Is there really such a thing as a spike in new year divorces, and what could cause them?
Too much alcohol
Over the festive period, alcohol consumption can increase by as much as forty percent, and we all know how too much drinking can affect people in different ways.
For some, it can lead to an uptick in aggressive, argumentative or unreasonable behavior. In a worst-case scenario, it can lead to an increase in incidences of domestic violence. During the festive period, there is traditionally a spike in the number of such cases being reported to the authorities and this can then lead to the break up of the marriage.
More frequently, it is the woman rather than the man who instigates proceedings after domestic violence; however, there are increasing numbers of males who begin the break up of a marriage after experiencing trauma or abuse from their female spouse.
Financial commitments and pressures
During this period both parties may have more time off work and thus not be bringing in as much money, or no wage at all. This can lead to arguments about paying bills, the mortgage or rent and other marital worries relating to property ownership and maintenance.
This also happens to be the month with the most expenditure for many families and can often then create a strain on couples and families who are trying to make ends meet in difficult circumstances.
Too much family time
Spending a lot of time with family over a longer period or break can sometimes lead to fights and feuds. Couple this with alcohol consumption and money worries and it’s a recipe for an increase in divorces in the new year as cracks in relationships begin to show. This time of year also offers an opportunity for personal evaluation and examination of goals for the year ahead, which can often lead to painful arguments and ultimately separations.
Festive season affairs
Festive office parties and get-togethers can sometimes lead to one or both spouses being unfaithful. These affairs are often also fuelled by alcohol and can often result in divorce proceedings to follow.
Keeping a marriage together for the children
Sometimes it can be that a couple decided to go their separate ways before the festive season began and wanted to wait until the new year to break up. They often do this out of a sense of loyalty to their children and to not cause any disruption during the holiday season. Many couples admit they have simply stayed together for the sake of the children and nothing else.