How far do you commute every day when you go to work? Many people have a significant drive. Some enjoy it—taking the time to listen to audiobooks or music—while others are frustrated by always having to be on the road.
One unintended consequence of a commute, though, is that it can actually affect your marriage. According to some studies, your odds of divorce increase notably if your commute is longer than 45 minutes. Why would this make such a difference?
It keeps you away from your spouse
The biggest reason is simply that couples need to spend time together to keep their relationship strong. The longer the commute, the less time they have together. Someone may only work for eight hours a day, but if they have a 45-minute commute to work, they’re also spending an hour and a half on the road. This means that 9 to 10 hours of their day are dedicated to work, even if they’re only being paid for the eight hours they’re actually clocked in.
It can also show that the couple has different priorities. Someone with a long commute may see their career as the most important thing in their life. They may be dedicated to spending long hours at the office, working overtime or even putting in hours on the weekend. This isn’t to say that being career-oriented is a bad thing, necessarily, but it definitely can take a toll on the marriage simply because it means more time apart.
Some couples find themselves slowly drifting apart and heading toward divorce. If you’re in this position, make sure you know exactly what legal steps to take as you navigate the divorce process.
