Topic - Four Year Itch. Is the 7-year itch for real? Yes and no.
Divorces peak at 7 years, but most couples leave the marriage at year 4 while in the height of their reproductive years. Why?
Animal behavior tells us. 90% of birds keep the partnership going until the babies leave the nest. One bird needs to sit on the eggs and the partner brings them food.
Once babies take off, parents go their own way. We humans do the same thing.
In the ancient time of hunter-gatherers, women gave birth about 4 years apart. In those groups, kids were cared for by relatives, allowing unhappy couples to find other mates.
This created a greater genetic variety and a wider range of skills. This 4-year divorce peak may be the remains of our ancestors’ reproductive strategy.
The natural weak point in our marriages is right at the time when our kids are less vulnerable. Maybe you should think twice before scratching that 4-year itch.
