People often think of marriage as a lifelong partnership, but the truth is that many marriages don't last. It's sad to know that a lot of marriages end in divorce, but being aware of the warning signs can help couples take steps to make their relationship stronger before problems get too big to handle.**** How Often Does Divorce Happen? According to new research, about 41% of first marriages, 60–67% of second marriages, and over 70% of third marriages end in divorce. These numbers show how important it is to deal with problems early on. While numbers can help, every marriage is different, and finding problems early can greatly lower the chances of separation.**** Signs that your marriage is in trouble early on Just because you see warning signs doesn't mean your marriage is over. Instead, it gives people a chance to get help, talk to someone, and get counseling. Some common signs are:**** 1. Constant Fighting Frequent fights over small things could be a sign of bigger problems. It's normal to have disagreements from time to time, but constant conflict that gets worse without being resolved can damage intimacy and trust over time.**** 2. Disconnection from feelings Not being emotionally close to someone is a big red flag. Couples might feel distant, not want to talk about their feelings, or stop caring about each other's lives. Emotional disconnection frequently precedes physical separation and may result in marital dissatisfaction.**** 3. Avoidance and withdrawal If one or both partners keep avoiding conversations or pulling away from interactions, it could mean that there is still tension between them. Avoidance makes it harder to talk to each other in a helpful way and may make people more angry over time.**** 4. Loss of Faith Any healthy relationship needs trust. Trust can be broken by cheating, lying, or breaking promises over and over again. When trust is broken, it takes work, honesty, and often professional help to get it back.**** 5. Different goals in life Long-term friction can come from having goals that don't match up, like having different career goals, parenting styles, or lifestyle choices. Couples who don't talk about and work out their differences may have trouble staying together.**** Things that lead to divorce There are other things that make it more likely that a marriage will end in divorce, even though warning signs are important: • Age at Marriage: Getting married when you're younger is often linked to higher divorce rates because people who are younger don't have as much life experience and maturity. • Money Problems: Stress over money is one of the main reasons couples fight. Conflicts can get worse when people disagree about money, debt, or how to spend it. • Past Divorces: People who are getting married for the second or third time are more likely to have problems because of emotional baggage, unresolved issues, or patterns that keep happening. • Differences in lifestyle and culture: Differences in religious beliefs, social norms, or cultural expectations can lead to misunderstandings and problems in a marriage. Couples can avoid problems by being aware of these factors and taking steps to avoid them.**** Things you can do to make your marriage stronger Even though many marriages end in divorce, couples can make their chances of staying together longer by taking steps to avoid problems: