Stars and separations

Divorce is a deeply personal and often painful process that rightfully deserves its share of privacy, free from public and media scrutiny. 
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Suddenly, there is a deluge of celebrity couples announcing their separations, providing much-needed fodder for the ever-hungry social media. As a society, the nation is slowly adapting to these new norms. There is undoubtedly a palpable societal shift occurring in this part of the world, where marriages have traditionally been considered sacrosanct and are expected to endure for a lifetime.

Though divorces have been common among the upper middle and upper classes over the past few decades, they had not made headlines until the recent celebrity splits. What is particularly surprising is the occurrence of marital dissolution in long-established relationships.

It apparently has caused what is known as a “domino effect”. In other words, a high-profile divorce that is heavily covered by the media or experienced by peers can influence others in marital relationships to introspect about their own situation and may prompt them to make difficult decisions.

Divorce is a deeply personal and often painful process that rightfully deserves its share of privacy, free from public and media scrutiny. It’s important to recognise that the rising incidence of divorce reflects the psychosocial and economic shifts within a society evolving toward a more liberal perspective. Divorces are no longer stigmatised, and collective attitudes toward marriage and relationships have changed. Parents are relieved that their children need not endure suffocating relationships.

This trend signals a form of women’s liberation, as the willingness to openly address the decision to leave a constraining relationship or environment is a positive sign of progress. It signifies women’s emancipation, and as a society, we have made significant strides in achieving economic independence for women, which is often a crucial factor in the decision-making process.

Last, women are becoming psychologically empowered to propose and finalise such decisions without worrying about societal judgments or gossip. This represents a substantial shift in the self-perception of women in the current generation. Previous generations often bore their burdens in silence and suffered through deep incompatibilities in their marital relationships.

However, there is also a concerning side to this story: the institution of marriage is under considerable strain. The essential elements of love, patience, understanding, and tolerance that form the foundation of enduring marital relationships may be at risk of being lost in future generations.

There is also the collateral damage often overlooked in any divorce: the children of estranged couples. The lifelong psychological and emotional trauma they may endure is arguably the most undesirable outcome.

It is time to reconsider the cliché that “marriages are made in heaven”.

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