Some couples get divorced because they spend too much time together. For example, married business owners may feel like combining their personal and professional lives has taken a toll. They see each other 24/7, and it leads to conflicts and frustrations.
Interestingly, though, studies have found that the opposite is also true. Couples who spend too much time apart may be more likely to split up. For instance, one study found that having a long commute could increase divorce odds by 45%.
Why would your commute play a role?
You may not enjoy having a long commute, but why does it have anything to do with your marriage? Shouldn’t a stable job in turn make that marriage more stable?
It can, as financial security definitely can help a marriage. But the problem with having a long commute is simply the cumulative toll that it takes on the two of you as a couple. You end up spending far less time together, and your relationship can deteriorate as you start to drift apart.
Say that you have to drive 45 minutes to work. One drive doesn’t seem like it takes up too much of your time, but you’re spending an hour and a half on the road every single day. As time goes by, you will spend weeks, months or even years commuting, and that type of separation can certainly be problematic in a marriage.
If you and your spouse do decide to get divorced this year, be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take. Assets and time with the children are two critical parts of the process.