• Source:JND
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If you've been scrolling through social media or catching up on celebrity gossip, you might think divorce is practically a rite of passage in modern America. From high-profile breakups to viral TikToks about "divorce parties," it often feels like relationships are more fragile than ever. The narrative that marriages don’t last, especially among younger generations, is everywhere. But what if we told you that reality paints a very different picture?

In fact, new research shows that divorce rates in the United States have hit historic lows, surprising even seasoned sociologists and relationship experts. According to a detailed analysis from the Pew Research Center, only 1.4 per cent of married adults got divorced in 2023, the lowest rate in decades. That's right: at a time when people believe marriage is on the decline, the data tells a more hopeful, stable, and even optimistic story about love and commitment in the US.

In this article, we break down five surprising facts that challenge everything you thought you knew about divorce in the US. 

Americans Are Rethinking Marriage

This drop in divorce rates is largely being driven by generational changes. Millennials and Gen Z are taking a more cautious approach to marriage, choosing to delay tying the knot until they’re older, more financially secure, and emotionally ready. As a result, when they do marry, they’re more likely to stay together. This trend is reversing assumptions about modern relationships being fragile or short-lived.

Fewer People Are Single

The impact of this shift goes beyond marriage. For the first time in years, the number of single adults in the U.S. has declined. In 2023, 42 per cent of adults were single, down from 44 per cent in 2019. That 2 per cent drop may seem small, but it reflects a larger movement toward long-term commitment — whether through marriage or other forms of partnership.

Marriage Is Actually Growing (Slightly)

Surprisingly, the number of married adults has ticked upward, moving from 50 per cent in 2019 to 51 per cent in 2023. While that might not seem like a dramatic shift, it challenges the narrative that marriage is a dying institution in the US. In fact, it may be undergoing a quiet revival — one marked by more thoughtful, intentional unions.

Cohabitation Is Also On Rise

Not everyone is choosing traditional marriage. The percentage of adults living with an unmarried partner increased from 6 per cent to 7 per cent over the same four-year period. This reflects evolving cultural norms and a growing acceptance of alternative relationship models that still offer stability and support.