When you think of a midlife crisis, you may imagine a man in his 50s driving around in a Corvette with a much-younger girlfriend next to him. While this is the typical cliche, a midlife crisis can come about in many forms. Plus, it is not just a man thing—it is possible for women to have them, as well.
A midlife crisis tends to happen between the ages of 35 and 65 years old. It may be triggered by an event such as divorce, the death of a parent, a milestone birthday, a medical condition, or children moving out of the home. During this time, a person may be stuck in the past, evaluating their choices in life and dealing with regrets. A midlife crisis can last as long as 10 years.
While a midlife crisis typically has a negative connotation, it can be a positive event in some cases. It can be an opportunity for a person to reevaluate their life. A person can use it to figure out what is important to them.
In some cases, though, a midlife crisis can lead to divorce. That is because a midlife crisis often causes a person to act differently, which can impact a marriage. Here are some things to know about midlife crises and how they impact relationships.
Dealing With a Midlife Crisis as a Man
When a man has a midlife crisis, he tends to change his life in drastic ways. He may decide to seek out fun and adventure, or he may be looking for a change. Some men cheat on their wives, quit their jobs, and purchase big-ticket items (like sports cars).
Other men see a change in their emotions and feelings. They feel sad and depressed. They lack energy. They may see changes in their appetite and sleep patterns.
In some cases, men may blame their partners for these changes. They try to pin their problems on their spouses, and this can lead to a lot of anger and conflict.
A midlife crisis also causes men to be indecisive. They may want to make a change, but do not know how to go about it. This causes their spouses to become frustrated.
In severe cases, a midlife crisis can lead to infidelity as men try to regain their youthfulness. Many are on the lookout for younger, attractive partners who can make them feel more virile. Once there is infidelity, it is difficult for a marriage to survive.
Dealing With a Midlife Crisis as a Woman
Midlife crises are different for women because they are often dealing with hormonal changes on top of everything else. Like men, they deal with anxiety and depression. They may be dissatisfied with their career and other life choices. They may also have a lack of motivation in life.
Women can deal with a midlife crisis by assessing themselves. They need to make their time and energy work for them. This means getting rid of energy vampires and reassessing friendships. This is a good time for them to focus on their physical and mental health. Support from other women can be invigorating.
How it Leads to Divorce
With gray divorces on the rise, it is possible that a midlife crisis could end your marriage. A midlife crisis can easily lead to divorce, as it leaves both parties feeling confused and agitated. The other spouse may feel abandoned while the spouse going through the midlife process may be making huge changes in their life, such as buying fancy items, changing their job, and even cheating. When there is infidelity, you will need to decide if you can move past it and if you want to save your marriage.
Those going through a midlife crisis are often irritable, and this can affect a marriage. When their spouse tries to talk to them, they may get angry, which can start an argument. Their buttons get pushed pretty easily, and it can be hard for them to calm down and think rationally.
How to Save Your Marriage
Saving your marriage will take some effort. First, you will need to identify what is causing the midlife crisis. Such a crisis can be scary, so it is important that your spouse feels supported during this time. While it can be difficult, you will need to react calmly and avoid making waves.
It may be necessary to bring in a third party, such as a therapist. Midlife crises can stem from childhood issues, so a skilled counselor will need to communicate properly with your spouse and try to uncover the true issues.
Each marriage is unique. Sometimes the spouse wants to stay married and they will soon return to the relationship. However, they may return changed, with different beliefs and a different outlook on life. In some cases, the midlife crisis will lead to divorce. In either case, you will need to be prepared for possible changes to your marriage.
Seek Legal Help
Dealing with change in a marriage is never easy. When your spouse is having a midlife crisis, it can put your relationship in disarray and cause a lot of emotional issues.
While many couples successfully deal with midlife crises in their marriages, in some cases, they can cause divorce. Broward County divorce attorney Scott J. Stadler can help you through the process and help you move on from an unfulfilling marriage. We have more than 30 years of experience handling divorce issues. Call (954) 346-6464 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.