New Study Says Divorce Among Gen Xers Hits at Seven Years

Author Lauren Beckham Falcone

March 11th 12:19 PM

Mistrust and cheat problems. Annoyed couple is ignoring each other, sitting on the couch upset indoors at home. I am not talking to you!

Gen X divorce hits at seven years, according to a new study.

The seven year itch exists – and it’s not some bizarre skin condition.

It’s actually a phenomenon that’s been floating around relationships for ages. You and your partner are cruising through life. Then, suddenly, things start feeling a bit stale around the seven-year mark.

What is the seven year itch?

According to Wikipedia: “The phrase was used in the title of the play The Seven Year Itch by George Axelrod, and gained popularity following the 1955 film adaptation starring Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell. ”

But why does it happen?

Some say it’s the monotony of routine that sets in. Date nights turn into Netflix marathons, and “I love you” becomes as routine as brushing your teeth.

Suddenly, your partner’s cute quirks now drive you bonkers. You start daydreaming about what life would be like with someone else or maybe just by yourself. It’s like your inner rebel is itching to break free.

Well, a study says it’s actually true.

Especially among Gen Xers.

Financial stress is a big reason why they’re calling it quits. But it’s not just about money; external factors are pulling some serious weight in this relationship.

‘Our research sheds new light on marriage and divorce trends, confirming the seven-year itch phenomenon is real and particularly affects Generation X couples.” said Mark Keenan, CEO of Divorce-Online.co.uk, which published the study. “It is important for couples to recognize the challenges they may face during this time and seek support if needed.

According to study, the average age for a Gen X divorce is 43.9.

Bottom line? If you’re feeling the itch, don’t scratch it alone. Seek help, talk it out, and maybe you’ll find a way to smooth things over.

Lauren Beckham Falcone is the co-host of Bob & LBF in the Morning. Formerly an award-winning reporter and columnist for the Boston Herald, she credits her current success as a pop culture commentator to watching too much TV as a kid and scouring the internet too much as an adult. LBF is a regular contributor to NECN and is an honorary board member at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Lauren lives in Canton with her husband Dave and her daughter Lucy. Lauren writes about trending topics, New England destinations, and seasonal DIY.

States With Shortest Marriages: Massachusetts?

When you see a headline like: States With Shortest Marriages, I really think EVERYONE in Massachusetts and everyone in Boston may stand at attention to read this. I have been married for almost 10 years! Our anniversary is next year.

In some unexplained cosmic way, we are all connected. The Sun is 93 MILLION miles away, yet we need it in our body. Doctors call it Vitamin C. It is so far away, yet, we can feel the heat on our face at the beach. How is that possible. The trees and plants expel Oxygen, which we need to breathe. We expel Co2, which is carbon dioxide, which plants and trees need to breathe and survive. The rotates on it’s axis, in perfect mathematical fashion.

What Is The Secret To A Long Marriage?

Does anyone have the secret to that? I do know that trust weighs in at the top of that list. I believe having trust can add and extend longevity in ANY type of relationship. On the other hand, once trust is broken, all of the other tenants that make a relationship are strained. Trust, support, flexibility, encouragement, forgiveness, and putting the other person first have helped in my marriage. When I apply those things, I seem to get them back.

CNBC Data

According to data from CNBC, for every 10 couples that got married in 2000, about 5 ended in divorce or annulment that year. In 2021 there were 4 divorces for every 10 marriages, a drop of 20%. This CNBC report is in conjunction with the Center For Disease Control, not that love, is a disease! You’ll see a list of 10 US states with the shortest marriages according to the CDC data. Is Massachusetts in there? You may see a surprise when you get to the end of the list!

So, let’s go find the States With Shortest Marriages!

10-Georgia
Image from Getty Images

Not everything in the Peach state is all sunshine and peaches!

Median duration of marriage: 18.8 years

Median age of first marriage: 29.2
9-Idaho
Image by Getty Images

You’d think a state with amazing state fairs and loaded potatoes could sustain a marriage.

Median duration of marriage: 18.6 years

Median age of first marriage: 26.8
8-Washington
Images by Getty Images

Maybe couples should take more serene, romantic walks in the beautiful mountains of Washington State! Well, it does rain there, a lot!

Median duration of marriage: 18.3 years

Median age of first marriage: 28.8
7-Oklahoma
Images by Getty Images

What, a tasty Bison burger can’t enhance a marriage? (I have never tasted Bison, but I hear it’s DEEELICIOUS.)
6-Colorado
Images by Getty Images

Rocky Mountain High singer John Denver actually wrote a HIT love song to his wife Annie. Shouldn’t Colorado take note. Start writing!

Median duration of marriage: 18.2 years

Median age of first marriage: 29.55
5-Utah
Image by Jaybeau Jones

What? The Osmond’s are from here! How can this state make the list…oh, wait.

Median duration of marriage: 18 years

Median age of first marriage: 25.8
4-Nevada
Images from Getty Images

This one is no surprise. I know someone who bet their wife at Blackjack.

Median duration of marriage: 17.7 years

Median age of first marriage: 30.45
3-Texas
Image by Getty Images

Again, no surprise. We learned about short marriages watching Dallas.

Median duration of marriage: 17.6 years

Median age of first marriage: 28.45
2-Alaska
Images by Getty Images

These two Alaskan otters are happily married. This state surprises me as being ALMOST number one? Well if you think about it, the days are longer there. Maybe that’s it.

Median duration of marriage: 16.8 years

Median age of first marriage: 28
1-Washington D.C.
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Ding Ding Ding! We have a winner! Great place to be a lawyer.
But, Where is Massachusetts?
Image by Getty Images

This report did not include our great state on the list. But, I’m happy to see that New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine are reported to be states with the LONGEST marriages!

1-New Hampshire

2-Maine

8-Vermont