Why Women Are More Likely to Initiate Divorces Than Men

December 5, 2023

Photo of young astonished husband wife stupor scared unexpected fake information isolated over yellow color background

The decision to end a marriage is never easy to make. It’s usually the last option after all other attempts to salvage the marriage fail. But did you know that women initiate 69% of divorces? They are more likely to take the first step based on these 12 reasons.

Table of Contents

Men Tend to Fall Back Into Old Gender Roles

Should I Stay Or Walk Away. Shot Of A Young — Source: Shutterstock

Some women file for divorce because their husbands have failed to meet their obligations as a partner. Women get burnt out trying to keep the marriage alive while juggling domestic work and caring for the kids.

Different Needs and Wants

Misunderstanding Between Partners In Relationship. Breakup Abuse Between Spouses. Girlfriend — Source: Shutterstock

There’s also the aspect of men and women having different needs and wants as they age. A user explains, “As men age, they want someone to care for them. As women age, they want less and less to care for anyone.”

Women Have More Freedom Now

Mother With Children Using Laptop In Kitchen — Source: Shutterstock

If you asked Baby Boomers and older generations, they’d tell you divorce was frowned upon. Women were expected to tolerate terrible marriages because their financial power was tied to their husbands. Today, however, women have financial power and freedom and can leave unhappy or abusive marriages.

Men Expect a Lot From Women

Portrait Of Young Angry Man — Source: Shutterstock

Many men expect their wives “to carry the physical and mental load of marriage.” Some cultures even discourage men from doing house chores or being actively involved in their kids’ lives. It’s because of these reasons that their wives file for divorce.

Some Men Have Nothing but Mediocrity to Offer

Bored Beautiful Young Woman On Bad Date Using Her Phone. — Source: Shutterstock

Moreover, some women realize they are getting nothing from their marriage.

Did the Vast Majority of Things Outside of Work

Tired Woman Washing Dishes In The Sink In The Kitchen — Source: Shutterstock

Many marriages today are dual-income households. However, some women are overwhelmed with maintaining their full-time jobs, running errands, doing the house chores, and caring for kids if they have any. They find it unfair that their husbands are content with the dual income but don’t offer assistance at home, so they leave.

Often Met With Resistance

Mixed,couples,conflicts.,young,interracial,lovers,arguing,at,home — Source: Shutterstock

If a wife tries telling her husband she is hurting in the relationship or her physical or emotional needs are neglected but are met with silence, hostility, or resistance, she may resort to ending the marriage.

More Marginalized and Undervalued in the Relationship

Upset Young Caucasian Woman With Man Driving Car After Fight — Source: Shutterstock

Some wives initiate divorce because their husbands expect a lot from them, barely recognizing their input. “If you were expected to go to work, then come home, plan meals, organize the chores, get the laundry washed, and get the kids set for school/next day, you’d be tired of it too,” says a user.

Marriage Benefits Men More Than It Does Women

Man Is Hugging And Comforting Dejected Girlfriend — Source: Shutterstock

Unfortunately, this is true for most marriages. “The man, more often than not, gets to continue building his career and has someone at home providing the household and childcare needs, while the women are more likely to sacrifice their career and are generally vulnerable,” explains a poster.

So, when a wife realizes her life is on hold, whereas her partner isn’t putting in as much effort to sustain the marriage, she may pull the plug.

Spent Years Trying to Work on the Relationship

Thoughtful Older Married Couple Sit On Sofa Separately Feeling Frustrated — Source: Shutterstock

Many women look for ways to salvage their marriage before calling it quits. Some try talking to their partners or going to couples therapy. However, if their efforts prove to be futile, they have no choice but to initiate divorce.

Men Are Too Lazy to File the Paperwork

Woman Signing Marriage Contract Closeup — Source: Shutterstock

In addition, when a couple decides to end their marriage, men rarely file the paperwork. They may even move out, start another relationship, and not bother with the divorce papers. So, the wives find themselves doing the paperwork.