Marriage is a sacred union, a delicate dance between two individuals who are committed to sharing a common life.
However, like any relationship, marriage is not immune to conflict. The statistics are alarming: a study by the Institut National d’Etudes Démographiques in France showed that nearly one in two marriages ends in divorce.
Among the many reasons that cause these separations, one stands out as the main cause: poor communication.
In this article, we shed light on this often overlooked cause, but which plays an undeniable role in the disintegration of couples and inevitably leads to the dissolution of marriage.
The nature and manifestations of faulty communication in the Couple
Understanding the notion of faulty communication is the first step in deciphering its role in divorce.
Communication is the exchange of information, ideas, feelings and thoughts between two or more people. In a couple, communication occupies a central place, because it is the basis of interaction and mutual understanding. Healthy communication is characterized by clarity, openness, honesty, active listening and mutual respect.
In contrast, faulty communication refers to inadequate interaction where one or both partners fail to effectively express their thoughts, feelings, or needs. This failure can manifest itself in several ways, including:
- Lack of communication: A persistent silence can create a gap between partners and lead to misunderstandings.
- Aggressive communication: Insults, shouting, contempt or excessive anger destroy mutual respect and esteem.
- Passive-aggressive communication: Irony, sarcasm and manipulation are subtle forms of verbal abuse that can poison the relationship.
The Disastrous Consequences of Faulty Communication on the Marital Relationship
Faulty communication is not just a simple inconvenience, it has disastrous consequences on the marital relationship.
The first consequence is the lack of mutual understanding. Poor communication hampers partners’ ability to understand each other’s feelings, concerns, and needs. This creates a feeling of loneliness, frustration and incomprehension which can lead to emotional alienation.
Second, poor communication can lead to unresolved conflicts. When a couple fails to communicate effectively, it is difficult to resolve disagreements and disputes. These unresolved conflicts build up over time and can eventually lead to a breakup.
Finally, poor communication can undermine confidence and self-esteem. Partners who feel misunderstood, ignored, or mistreated may lose trust in themselves and their partner. This loss of trust can be devastating to the relationship.
Failing Communication: A Major Cause of Divorce
Faulty communication is a major cause of divorce, as proven by several studies.
Partners who fail to communicate effectively find it difficult to resolve their problems, understand each other’s needs and expectations, and maintain an emotional connection, which leads to marital dissatisfaction and ultimately divorce.
How to prevent poor communication and its harmful effects
The good news is that failing communication is not a divorce sentence.
There are effective ways to improve communication in the couple.
First, it is important to establish an open and honest dialogue. Partners need to feel safe to express their feelings, concerns, and expectations without fear of judgment or rejection. It involves learning to listen actively and respond with empathy.
Second, it is essential to learn to regulate one’s emotions. Unregulated emotions can interfere with the ability to communicate effectively. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation can help manage negative emotions and promote peaceful communication.
Finally, it may be beneficial to call in a professional. Marriage therapy, for example, can help couples improve their communication skills, resolve conflicts constructively, and strengthen their emotional bond.
Failed communication is a silent blight that can corrode a marriage from within. This is the main cause of conflict that unquestionably leads to divorce. However, by recognizing and addressing this issue, couples can strengthen their communication, resolve their conflicts, and enrich their relationship.
Marriage is not a destination, but a journey. And like any trip, it requires good communication to navigate successfully.

My name is Maggie and I’m a writer for thesilverink.com, a website dedicated to news, culture and lifestyle. I have always been passionate about writing and I decided to make it my profession by becoming a web editor. I work on joehovasmf.com and I mainly take care of the lifestyle section. I like to share my discoveries and my favorites with the readers, whether it’s about fashion, beauty, decoration or gastronomy.