Society says you’re selfish, but we know the truth. Discover why women initiate divorce more often and how gender norms and societal roles play a part.
Women are more likely to initiate divorce than men in heterosexual relationships.
Key reasons women initiate divorce or separation
- Lower satisfaction with the marriage. Why? Unmet emotional needs, lack of communication, and conflict of expectations.
- Unequal distribution of invisible labor. Also called the “mental load” or “cognitive labor.” Women often juggle household and childcare responsibilities with full-time jobs and careers.
- Unacceptable partner acts. Infidelity and domestic abuse are often-cited reasons for divorce. Alcohol addiction also plays a key role in both abuse scenarios and in generally degrading the quality of the relationship which leads to lower satisfaction.
Key reasons men initiate divorce or separation
- Different interests. Men often cite a drifting apart in interests and shared experiences as a key driver for divorce. As they pursue different hobbies and activities there is less focus on strengthening the bond of marriage.
- Unmet needs & lack of respect. Nagging and constant criticism erodes the marriage bond. That and unmet needs around frequency of sex and satisfaction with the self destroys marriage.
You are NOT selfish for wanting a divorce
Women are taught to “try harder” and “stay for the kids” in marriage. This messaging starts in girlhood. Women are praised for being kind, likable, and maintaining the status quo.
But sometimes that doesn’t work anymore.
For any woman considering divorce, going through it, or rebuilding after—You. Are. Not. Selfish. You are not wrong. Only you know what’s right for you and your family.
We’re here to support you, no judgment, no shame. Just full-on support every step of the way!
