No one gets married with the intention to divorce. Each generation may have different views when it comes to marriage. But Baby Boomer or not, everyone considers marriage as a serious business. They hope and expect their union to be long-lasting and till-death do their part instead of predicting divorce only after a few years.

Back in the day, a couple talked about marriage started even before moving in together. Although some chose to live under the same roof before tying the knot, more people in the past would use quality engagement rings and wedding bands to seal the deal before living together. But these days, the modern generation has a different approach to marriage.

Why Marriages Are Delayed Among Millennials

More of today’s young generations, specifically millennials, are delaying marriage. They have varying reasons for doing so. For one, their poor financial health makes them rethink their priorities and choices.

This is not to say that most millennials don’t plan on settling down. Many are simply choosing to cohabitate instead. Still, the majority of millennials plan on marrying in the future.

Many millennials want to be financially successful first before they tie the knot. They focus on the things they deem vital before they plan on settling down. They differ from older generations who choose to marry, buy houses, have kids, and chase after their dream career at the same time.

Experts believe that another thing stopping millennials from marrying is their fear of divorce. They know the implications a divorce has on their health, finances, and relationships. Instead, they would save themselves the heartache and headache by forgoing “the knot.”

How Millennials Managed to Drop Divorce Rates

Statistics show that fewer millennials are getting married. But that did not stop some from moving in together. Many millennial couples are cohabiting even before saying I do.

Some people live together acting like married couples. The problem is, they disagree on the crucial details. They fail to plan for the future or talk about their finances, childrearing, and other essential aspects common among married couples.

Since fewer millennials are getting married than baby boomers during their time, there is also a lower percentage of millennials filing for divorce. But this is not what experts like to call the millennial divorce. Millenial divorce refers to the modern-day divorce popularized by millennials.

Instead of marrying, some millennials chose to cohabit. They resume the activities and responsibilities common to married couples minus the legalities. They use this to test drive their compatibility, making it easier to say quits if the relationship doesn’t work out well.

Why Cohabiting Can Be Bad for Couples and the Kids

The term millennial divorce happens not only to millennials who are legally married couples. This also refers to millennials who chose to cohabitate but eventually parted ways. They experience all of the, if not the most, impact of regular married couples separating minus the need to settle their separation in court.

Despite millennials dodging divorce, many have kids. When they separate from their partners, the kids are still the ones who are often affected. Studies show that family instability brought about by cohabiting has ill effects on the kids.

As for people who choose to cohabit, experts claim that cohabiting increases one’s chances for divorce. This even decreases the likelihood of couples tying the knot. It is crucial that couples have many big talks before moving in to avoid future heartbreaks and headaches.

Questions to Ask to Avoid Millennial Divorce

Just because calling it quits after cohabiting does not mean you are already safe from the consequences of divorce. One can also experience depression, emotional distress, financial insecurity, and lowered self-esteem even if the separation is not legal. To avoid millennial divorce, experts suggest that couples talk and ask their partners the following questions.

• Do you plan on getting married in the future?
• What do you think about marriage and childrearing?
• What are your main priorities?
• What are your plans for the next five years?
• Where do you plan on living for the long term?
• What do you wish to attain in terms of your career?
• How will our finances look like?

These are some crucial questions to ask your partner before you decide to move in. This way, you can avoid potential issues that may arise while cohabiting. Remember that people have different priorities, preferences, and methods of dealing with problems and finances.

The way millennials approach marriage is undeniably changing dating and marriage. Not everyone might agree with how they approach marriage. But sometimes, one’s fears and financial status can significantly influence their decisions. Asking the right questions will make it easier for couples before moving in, whether that means tying the knot or not.