Older Divorced Adults, Tell Us The "Marriage Myths" You Think More People Should Know

BuzzFeed

17 June 2024 at 1:08 pm·1-min read

Older adults, if you were married in the past and are now divorced, you may have some important experiences, lessons, and wisdom for younger adults — especially those considering marriage.

A man stands in a kitchen looking out the window with his arms crossed. The kitchen has wooden cabinets and various items on the counter — Nes / Getty Images

So, looking back, what are the myths about marriage that you think more people should know?

Two broken, gold wedding rings rest on a document with the prominent text "Divorce". The document appears to be related to marital dissolution — Djedzura / Getty Images / iStockphoto

Maybe you went into the marriage expecting your spouse to fulfill all your needs. But now, you realize that's an unfair expectation, and you believe it's important to keep building your relationships with family and friends — in addition to your relationship with your partner.

Woman smiles warmly, holding pink hydrangeas in front of a floral-patterned background — Jupiterimages / Getty Images

People may think that couples therapy is a last resort when their marriage is having issues. But perhaps you'd encourage couples should seek out therapy even when their relationship is going well — and you wish you had done that in your previous marriage.

A therapist and client in a room, with the client sitting and the therapist blurred in the background — Stockrocket / Getty Images / iStockphoto

Or maybe you strongly disagree with the saying that "love is enough" for a successful marriage. While you loved your former spouse, you were not compatible, so now you realize how important effective communication, trust, effort, shared values, and more are for a healthy relationship.

Older woman with short gray hair hiking along a stone wall, using a walking pole and carrying a backpack, smiling and dressed in active wear — Solstock / Getty Images

Divorced older adults, in the comments below, share the myths you (or others) believed about marriage — and the actual truth based on your experience. Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, feel free to use this Google form. Your response could be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post.