Most individuals enter marriage with at least some unrealistic ideas about what will happen. Often, the other partner is expected to meet all one's needs, to be a good friend, a great lover, and to share the chores. The other person is expected to fill the gaps, read minds, take out the trash, be dashing or daring, a good parent, nice to relatives, and on and on. Expectations are often so high that satisfaction with marriage drops immediately following the honeymoon. Faulty expectations may explain the high number of divorces in the early years of marriage.
Most individuals enter marriage with inadequate communication skills for close relationships.
It is a rare individual whose parents showed him or her how to communicate effectively. Average or poor communication skills make it difficult to resolve conflict. When partners repeatedly conflict without resolution, divorce is more likely. Some individuals bring unresolved issues from their family of origin into marriage. Growing up in a family where physical, sexual, or emotional abuse occurred can create difficulties for adults trying to cope with intimate relationships.