The divorce rate for the United States is approximately forty percent, nearly half of the total marriage rate.  Most of these marriages did not make it to the 15 year mark.  Pick any twelve weddings and at least one couple will be divorced by the second year of marriage.  Even more disturbing, the duration of the average marriage is only seven years.

 Experts have been studying the rise in divorce for several years and one group even claims that they can predict a future divorce by observing how a couple interacts during an argument.  If the couples react with interest and openness, then the odds are in their favor.  However, if the argument becomes hostile, full of harsh words or with one partner ignoring the other, the statistics say that divorce is the more likely outcome.  What this means is that newlyweds are in a particularly bad spot in the marriage world. 

Divorce can happen for any number of reasons, differences in upbringing and religion, small quirk and financial problems all begin to take their toll on the marriage after a short time.  Older, more experienced couples might be able to weather the storm.  However, younger couples lack the experience necessary to deal with the troubles.  Often, the first two years of marriage are the most trying.  If couples learn to work passed their disagreements in that time, statistics say that their nuptials will make it passed the dreaded 13 year mark. 

There are many ways for couples to build a marriage with a solid foundation.  One of the first ways is to monitor what you say before you say it.  Arguments can pop up at any time.  However, anger does not give you the right to take shots at your partner or bring up past arguments.  Another way to enjoy marriage is to learn to enjoy your partner.  Go on dates, treat yourselves to nights out, do whatever you need to do to make sure that you and your partner have fun together.  The most important thing you can do, however, is learn to talk about what’s bothering you.  Your partner is not psychic, though that would make things easier.  You can’t assume that they will simply “know” what the problem is, nor is it fair to expect them to.  What you should expect them to do is listen to what you have to say and to share how they feel.  If you two can master this, then you, most likely, will have many years of happiness ahead of you.