Most couples argue occasionally. Yet, constant conflict or significant issues that remain unresolved can often lead a couple to divorce.
One survey asked divorcing couples to list their biggest conflicts. Here were the most common ones couples mentioned:
Career choices
Working life can have a massive effect on family life. If a person wants to spend all their spare time starting up a business, it could leave their spouse feeling abandoned. If someone wants to reduce their hours and focus on enjoying life it could leave the other party feeling they are supporting them financially. Problems can be exacerbated if a couple wants children as someone may need to step back from their career.
Parenting differences
Two people may have very different views about how to raise children. One may feel children learn from their mistakes while the other feels children need to be protected from mistakes. Or one may consider their child setting off fireworks as a harmless prank while the other feels it merits grounding them for two weeks.
Relationships with family and friends
When you marry someone, you need to accept that they already have other people in their life. You might not get on with some of their friends or family but still need to interact with them socially. However, there may come a point where you have had enough and want to say no to a dinner invitation or another weekend with your brother-in-law and his wife. That could lead to a dispute if your spouse cannot understand your point of view, or if they simply feel torn between their love for you and their family or friends.
If these answers resonate with your marriage, it may be time to seek professional help, such as from a therapist, to resolve the issues you cannot resolve yourselves. Or to begin investigating a divorce.