The seven-year itch is the idea that couples tend to start thinking about divorce after roughly seven years of marriage. It’s not a perfect science, but it just shows that marriages may start off great and then slowly decline. As happiness fades, people start thinking about what other options they have, even if there is no major event — like an affair — that causes them to get divorced.
But is this real, or is it just something people say? If you’re closing in on seven years of marriage, is divorce getting more likely?
Seven years is an imprecise figure
It is hard to say, with some who have studied it speculating that it probably happens far more often than people actually realize. There is truth to the fact that relationships change and most people are going to feel like this at some point.
But is the breaking point in a marriage always at the seven-year mark? Probably not. For some, it could be after only a year, while others may not feel that way for 10 years. You can’t put such a precise number on it and expect it to apply to everyone the same way. There are just way too many factors.
What is important to remember is that marriages do end, at times, for no other reason. Don’t assume that something drastic has to happen. It may be as simple as feeling bored or drifting away from your spouse.
What options do you have?
No matter how long you’ve been married when this happens to you, it’s critical to look into all of your legal options. You must know how to move forward with your life. An experienced advocate can help you understand more.