Want Your Marriage to Last? Top Relationship Experts Share Insights Into Avoiding Divorce and Reveal The Most Surprising Traits of Successful Couples

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Nov 18, 2013, 11:45 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a survey of mental health professionals conducted by YourTango.com, the leader in love and relationships, the #1 way to divorce-proof your marriage is to improve communication, followed by making your spouse a priority – even over kids.

Not surprisingly, "communication problems" is cited as the most common factor (65%) that leads to divorce, followed by couples' inability to resolve conflict (43%). The top communication complaints when considering divorce: 70% of men blame nagging/complaining, followed by their spouse not expressing sufficient appreciation (60%). 83% of women cite a lack of validation for their feelings and opinions, followed by their spouse not listening or talking about himself too much (56%).

The biggest factor that prevents unhappy couples from splitting up is kids. However, a significant majority of experts say it's worse for your kids if you stay in an unhappy marriage.

"73% of experts say that mediation, instead of divorce litigation, facilitates a smoother end to the marriage," states Andrea Miller, CEO, YourTango. "And having a prenup ranks last as the most common trait in an amicable divorce. Given how crucial communication is to a successful marriage, better to find a good therapist than a good lawyer!"

The top surprising traits of successful couples? Pursuing one's own individual interests and hobbies (78%) followed by learning to argue—in a healthy way (36%).

Additional Findings

The majority of couples who divorce after seeking counseling do so after less than six months of help.
71% indicate sites like AshleyMadison.com don't impact the divorce rate as spouses who want to cheat will find a way irrespective of such sites.
95% agree one should wait at least 6 months after a divorce to start dating.

YourTango features a rich mix of content in Divorce 360: Prevention & Survival from November 18th—27th. YourTango Experts offer healing and hope on divorce and more. Looking for a dating coach, marriage educator, relationship expert, or sex educator? We will help!

About YourTango:
YourTango helps users live their best love lives by providing award-winning content to over 10 million unique visitors/month. Topics run the gamut from love quotes, sex, and erotica to funny quotes, great sex positions and ways to say I love you.

Research methodology

SOURCE YourTango