Relationships
Relationships are an essential part of developing who we are as a person. From building friendships during childhood to dating during adolescence, these relationships shape us emotionally. The quality of each relationship can affect us both physically and mentally. In middle adulthood, navigating relationship obstacles can be difficult.
Maintaining Health Relationships
Finding a long-term romantic partner can seem like an arduous journey. Maintaining that relationship over a long period of time may be even more daunting. Each relationship starts with a shared interest and love for the other. Many of these relationships lead to marriage or long-term cohabitation, with shared expenses and responsibilities. Marriage has been associated with greater happiness, but being married does not guarantee happiness. Staying in a failing marriage can take an emotional toll on both parties. (Lang et al., 2022). Experts have viewed quality marital communication as a key indicator of a relationship's direction. Common communication signs of a failing marriage include contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling. (Lang et al., 2022). Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, can be physical, sexual, or psychological abuse.
Unfortunately, some marriages end in divorce. In more recent years, the term "gray divorce" has been defined as couples over 50 getting a divorce after a long-term marriage. Research has shown that "gray divorce" has grown to an assonishing 36%. (Cherry, 2025). Some of the factors that contribute to a "gray divorce" include: empty nest syndrome, which is children getting older and embarking on their lives outside of the protection of their parents' house. Financial issues are a contributing factor to failed marriages. This includes arguments over money, secret bank accounts, large purchases by one party, and debt. (Cherry, 2025). Infidelity has been a common reason for divorce. The unfaithfulness that comes from the bitter betrayal of infidelity is a common cause of divorce at all ages. (Cherry, 2025). The last of the significant factors contributing to divorce is growing apart. Aging causes each of us to experience different things in life, which can change our priorities, interests, and needs. (Cherry, 2025). Whether it's navigating a successful marriage, recovering from a nasty divorce, or overcoming abuse within a relationship, it will be a significant challenge. These daunting challenges can cause a wide array of emotions, from grief, stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness, isolation, and suicidal ideation.
These feelings are not uncommon during this difficult time. To help you navigate these emotional challenges, head over to our Overcoming Challenges page for services and advice.
Living Single
What happens when you have lost your spouse, your marriage ends in divorce, or you never married? Being single is not the end of the world. Becoming newly single can be a terrifying venture, or the start of another chapter in life. Long-term relationships can create a level of reliance on another person for certain aspects of life. Dating has been shown to help individuals move on and find happiness. A study shows that 79% of participants reportedly started dating again within the first year of a divorce or separation. (Anderson et al. 2004). Dating conditions in midlife adults vary depending on whether the parties have existing children and how to introduce someone new into their lives. (Lang et al., 2022). While the world of online dating is not new to younger generations, it can be terrifying or overwhelming for adults in middle adulthood.
Is a relationship the end-all be-all? Living by yourself or being single is not a negative label. Maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends is a major contributor to one's well-being. Having a close friend to share personal feelings or concerns contributes to a sense of belonging and overall well-being.
A life-altering change in one's relationship can have an extreme impact on their well-being. These sudden changes can cause isolation, feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss of identity, and suicidal ideation. These feelings should not be ignored. To help navigate these emotional challenges, head over to our Overcoming Challenges page for services and advice.