The recent wave of high-profile separations, including couples like AR Rahman and Saira Banu as well as Bill Gates and Melinda French, has sparked conversations about why long-term marriages are unraveling.
Experts suggest several factors contributing to these splits, even after decades together:
- Evolving Personalities: Over time, individuals grow and change, which can lead to differing priorities or perspectives that create a disconnect.
- Communication Breakdown: Long-standing issues or unaddressed conflicts may accumulate, eventually causing a rift.
- Changing Societal Norms: The stigma around divorce has decreased, allowing individuals to prioritize their happiness and mental health over staying in unfulfilling relationships.
- Lifestyle and Career Pressures: High-profile couples often face unique challenges, such as public scrutiny and demanding careers, which can strain even the strongest bonds.
- Desire for Independence: Later in life, some individuals seek personal growth or a fresh start, leading to amicable separations.
While each relationship is unique, these cases underscore the complexities of long-term commitments and the importance of adapting to life’s changes together.
