Gen X and the falling rate in divorces

Gen X is, in a lot of ways different from previous generations, sometimes even being described as having paved the way to Millenniums, who share similar ideologies about relationships. The ’60s and everything they brought like the rising of social movements, for example, The Woman’s Rights movement affected households all over America, changing family dynamics, and forever the way Gen X perceived marriage, establishing one of the many differences previously mentioned between Gen X and the generations before.

Baby Boomers often married very young and prioritized work over family, it was very common for both parents to work. These two factors made the divorce rates spike, affecting the households Gen X grew up in. This was the first generation where having divorced parents was the normality, this was not necessarily bad or a moral failing, but it did change the way Gen X and following generations perceived not only marriage but relationships in general, making them more conscious of the serious commitment it is.

As a response to the family dynamic they grew up in, Gen X became pickier when choosing their life partner. They choose to settle down later in life, once they were in a good social, economic, and emotional situation. More and more, marriage is seen more like a luxury and not a need. Marrying later in life is accompanied with more overall life knowledge, leading to more mature and informed decisions, explaining why often Gen X marriages end up lasting at least 15 years, finally achieving the relationship ideals that baby boomers tried so hard to accomplish and proving that marriage should add to someone´s already existing happiness, not serve as the path.

Ultimately, one of the distinguished characteristics of Gen X is the prioritization of self-accomplishment and self-knowledge. They chose to live life and every possible experience, enjoying every stop in the path to self-discovery. They made sure that the outside factors they bring into their life are not there to fulfill some sort of emptiness but instead to amplify their already existing happiness. That is what is so special about Gen X relationships they’re based on the act of “wanting” not “needing”.