Couples were at each other’s necks during the COVID lockdowns, but new data shows an increase in couples ‘jumping the broom.’
According to CNN, marriages decreased at the beginning of the pandemic but there has been a noticeable shift.
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Over the past twenty years, marriages have hovered around 7 to 8 per 1,000 people each year.
Marriage Margins Rise
In 2020, the marriage rate was lower at 5.1 per 1,000 individuals.
New data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that in 2022, the marriage rate reached 6.2 per 1,0000, which is over 2 million within a year.
The pandemic forced troubled couples to face the issues in their relationships, which caused many to separate but it better prepared them for their next partnership, Marissa Nelson, a D.C. licensed marriage and family therapist stated.
She also attributes couples utilizing therapy as a means to keep their marriages intact. In addition to couples communicating more about their vision for marriage and the flexibility of each person’s roles within the union.
Divorce Rates Dropping
In 2000, the divorce rate was higher, at 4 for every 1,000 citizens.
The rate began to decline in 2021, decreasing to 2.3 for every 1,000 people. However, in 2022, the divorce rate was 2.4 per capita. In addition, data shows the rate continues to decrease.
Nelson said that couples’ intentionality likely contributes to the decline in divorce rates.
People Are Picking Partners Differently
Ian Kerner, a licensed marriage and family therapist stated people have changed how they choose their partners by opting for someone who is more like a bestie than a passionate lover.
He said, “In my practice over the last decade, I’ve noticed a gradual shift from the ‘romantic marriage’ to the ‘compassionate marriage,’ meaning that people are increasingly choosing spouses at the outset who are more like best friends than passion partners.”
Kerner admitted this may lead to issues dealing with attraction in the future, but people find that choosing partners this way promotes long-term stability and contentment.
The therapist said doing so may lead to problems with attraction, but it also means those people are choosing partners based on qualities that are likely to promote long-term stability and satisfaction.
