There are many different factors that can lead to divorce. Often, it’s not just one thing, such as one partner having an affair. It’s a combination of factors where the couple feels like they’ve drifted apart and no longer connect with each other the way they once did.
What studies have found is that one factor that can influence this is simply the length of a person’s commute. For instance, say that the commute is over 45 minutes in length. If it’s that long, the odds that the couple will get divorced go up by a full 40%.
Why does this happen?
It’s not that commuting itself affects the divorce or the couple’s relationship, but it is a reflection of how much time that couple spends apart. The less time people spend together, the more likely they are to drift apart over time, which can cause the marriage to deteriorate.
For example, say that someone already has a high-pressure job. Rather than just working a standard eight hours every day, they tend to spend nine or 10 hours in the office.
At the same time, they have a 45-minute commute. If they spend 10 hours working and another hour and a half driving to and from work, plus a half hour for lunch, that means they’re gone for 12 hours every day. This naturally leads to a scenario where they don’t spend nearly as much time with their spouse and/or their children.
This isn’t to say that someone who is dedicated to their career and works long hours should be vilified for that decision. They may believe those hours are necessary or they may only be working hard to support their family. But it’s still true that this time apart can affect their marital relationship, and couples who do end up getting divorced need to know exactly what legal steps to take.