One of the dangers of using general statistics is that you assume a “one size fits all” mindset. When it comes to divorce numbers, the reality does not fit with popular myth. Although many people tout the 50% divorce rate as an accepted reality, researcher Betsey Stevenson looked into the matter and made some surprising discoveries. She found that for couples married in recent decades, the 50% number does not apply. The actual numbers of divorces are decreasing. She used US Census information to look at divorce rates. She found that for a valid comparison, one needed to consider not only when they were married, but also the age at which they married and the education level. She has even developed a “Marriage Calculator” to provide more accurate numbers for couples to gain accurate comparisons. Some groups are above the 50% level, whereas others are below that level. Her findings suggest that many times we accept statistics as facts, when the reality may be far different.
Likewise, with affairs, couples need to base their decisions on facts rather than skewed statistics that mislead people in their decisions.
Best Regards,
Jeffrey Murrah
