Most of us remember what peer pressure feels like from our younger days. As we get older, we naturally become less susceptible to peer pressure, but our complex relationships with friends, family, co-workers and others can still affect the decisions we make.
What the data shows
This is true when it comes to divorce. A study showed that “divorce is contagious.” The data from the study suggests that a married person is up to 75% more likely to get divorced if they have at least one divorced friend.
Additionally, even having an acquaintance, such as a friend of a friend, getting divorced might increase your chance of divorce by 33%. However, having children and a strong social support group could make divorce less likely.
There are various reasons proposed for these findings. Although attitudes toward divorce have changed significantly over the decades, you could still fear that divorce could come with a social stigma.
Having divorced friends or family can help reframe the idea of divorce in your mind. It can also cause you to evaluate your own marriage and realize it is not working.
Only you know if divorce is right for your situation
Perhaps you have known divorce is the right move for quite some time but have been afraid to take the steps to end your marriage. A friend or family member who starts the divorce process might be the nudge you need.
If you do decide divorce is the right choice for you, it is helpful to be prepared. Divorce in Texas involves many steps and legal requirements. There are also many financial aspects to consider.
The divorce process takes time. Missing a step or requirement could cause your divorce to drag out longer than necessary. Having the right guidance can increase your chance of a fair and efficient outcome that allows you to move on with your life.