Having divorced friends can increase your risk of becoming divorced you are 75 more likely to end your own marriage if a friend is divorced and 33 more likely if a friend of a friend is divorced

How Your Friends' Divorces Can Impact Your Own Marriage

When it comes to personal relationships, the saying “birds of a feather flock together” often holds true. We tend to surround ourselves with friends who share similar values, interests, and even life experiences. But did you know that this could influence the stability of your own marriage? Recent studies have found a significant link between the divorce rates of your friends and your own likelihood of getting a divorce.

According to research published in the journal Social Forces, individuals who have divorced friends are 75% more likely to end their own marriage compared to those with friends whose marriages are intact. This alarming statistic suggests that divorce might be contagious within social circles. But how can a friend’s divorce affect your own relationship?

It’s no secret that relationships require effort, compromise, and emotional support. When someone close to you goes through a divorce, it can have a profound impact on your perception of marriage and commitment. It may even make you question the longevity of your own relationship. Seeing a friend or loved one go through the difficulties and emotional turmoil of divorce can make it seem like a viable option when faced with marital challenges.

Moreover, divorced friends can unintentionally normalize the idea of divorce, making it appear more acceptable or even justifiable. When you witness friends starting over and finding happiness after their split, it can weaken your commitment to work through the inevitable challenges that arise in any marriage. In a sense, your friends’ divorces can weaken your belief in the possibility of a long-lasting, successful marriage.

Interestingly, the influence of divorce extends beyond your immediate circle of friends. The same study revealed that even friends of friends who have experienced divorce can impact your own marriage. Individuals were found to be 33% more likely to get a divorce if their friends’ friends were divorced. This suggests that the social connections and relationships within your wider network can indirectly influence the stability of your own marriage.

While these findings may be concerning, it’s important to remember that they don’t determine the fate of your relationship. They simply shed light on the potential impact of social influence on marriage stability. Ultimately, the strength of your own commitment, communication skills, and shared values will play a more significant role in the success of your marriage.

It’s crucial to surround yourself with healthy, positive relationships that support and encourage the growth of your marriage. Rather than avoiding friendships with divorced individuals, it’s essential to foster open conversations about the challenges of marriage and to seek guidance and support from friends who have overcome marital obstacles. By understanding the potential influence of divorce within your social circle, you can better navigate the turbulent waters of married life.

In conclusion, the saying “you are who your friends are” holds true even when it comes to divorce. Research shows that having divorced friends increases your own risk of divorce by 75%. Additionally, if a friend of a friend is divorced, you are 33% more likely to experience marital dissolution. These findings emphasize the significant influence our social circles can have on the stability of our relationships. Nevertheless, with strong commitment and open communication, it is possible to maintain a healthy and long-lasting marriage.

Source: [The Divorce Rate in America: The Latest Data and Statistics](https://legaljobs.io/blog/divorce-rate-in-america/)