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5 Marriage Trends for 2025

Writer's picture: Kevin A. ThompsonKevin A. Thompson

Marriage constantly evolves and is shaped by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and societal expectations. As we enter 2025, several key trends will redefine relationships, impacting everything from how couples communicate to when (or if) they choose to marry. While some of these changes present new challenges, many also create opportunities for deeper connection and long-term success in marriage.


Here are five marriage trends for 2025: (go to Podcast)


1. Marriages Are Happier Than Culture Portrays

In today's culture, marriage is often depicted as burdensome, unfulfilling, or doomed to fail. Movies, TV shows, and social media frequently showcase troubled marriages, infidelity, and the idea that love outside of marriage is more exciting than within it. However, research tells a different story. A Barna study found that 74% of married couples describe their marriage as happy or extremely happy. While challenges exist, the overall perception that marriage is failing is a media-driven myth. When people constantly hear that marriage is a struggle, they may question their relationships unnecessarily or feel pessimistic about their future. This negative perception can make minor conflicts seem bigger than they are, leading to unwarranted dissatisfaction. It's important to highlight positive marriage stories, showcase thriving relationships, reinforce that healthy, and show that fulfilling marriages are possible and common. Those in strong marriages shouldn't feel guilty about expressing their happiness. Instead, they should share their experiences to help shift the narrative, offering hope and encouragement to others. A balanced and truthful representation of marriage—one that acknowledges challenges but emphasizes the deep joy and stability it brings—is essential for changing public perception.


2. The Fight for Attention Is the Biggest Threat to Marriage

Modern couples' constant battle for attention is one of the most significant struggles. This trend underscores the importance of being present and engaged in the relationship, making the audience feel aware and proactive about their own behaviors. Studies show that couples who regularly give each other their full, undivided attention are more likely to have fulfilling and lasting relationships. By prioritizing each other amidst life's distractions, couples can strengthen their bond and create a marriage where both partners feel seen, heard, and valued.

The issue isn't necessarily about spending hours together; it's about creating intentional moments of connection. Small, consistent acts—such as checking in every morning, sharing a meal without devices, or giving an uninterrupted hug—help to cultivate emotional closeness. Additionally, couples should establish clear signals to communicate when they need undivided attention. Ignoring this issue can lead to loneliness within a marriage, increasing the risk of disconnection or even infidelity. The good news is that even minor adjustments can significantly improve relational intimacy. By prioritizing each other amidst life's distractions, couples can strengthen their bond and create a marriage where both partners feel seen, heard, and valued.


3. Many Will Continue to Delay Marriage and Parenting

Marriage and parenthood are being delayed more than ever before. This shift is largely due to the transition from cornerstone marriages to capstone marriages. While this delay has benefits—such as increased financial security and emotional maturity—it also has significant drawbacks. However, understanding and embracing this trend's benefits makes us feel optimistic and forward-thinking about our life choices.

One key challenge is that as people wait longer to marry, they accumulate more relationship history, often including emotional baggage. Additionally, their dating pool shrinks as potential partners are already married or have complex life circumstances. Research also indicates that while marrying too young can be risky, waiting too long—especially without prioritizing healthy relationships—can make finding a suitable partner more difficult. Another concern is the declining birth rate, as many couples who delay marriage also delay or opt out of having children. While personal choice is crucial, it's essential to recognize the long-term effects of these trends on families and communities. Ultimately, those who desire marriage and children should intentionally make room for these life goals.


4. Women's Expectations for Men Will Continue to Rise

Over the past several decades, the role of men in marriage has evolved significantly. Historically, men were primarily expected to provide financially, while women managed the home and children. Today, however, women expect their husbands to be providers, emotionally engaged partners, involved fathers, and active participants in household responsibilities. While these increased expectations have led to stronger marriages in many ways, they have also created new pressures for men who may not have had strong role models for this kind of partnership.

One striking example of this shift is the trend of widows choosing not to remarry. After years of caring for a spouse, many older women express reluctance to take on the responsibility of "raising another man" in their later years. Younger women are also becoming more selective, often questioning what men bring to the table beyond financial support. While this increased expectation for mutual effort in relationships is generally positive, it can also lead to unrealistic standards where men are expected to meet their spouse's every emotional, financial, and personal need. The key is balance—ensuring that both partners contribute meaningfully while allowing space for individual strengths and weaknesses. A healthy marriage thrives on teamwork, not perfection.


5. The Primary Question in Marriage Will Shift from 'Can We Survive?' to 'How Can We Flourish?'

Many couples have approached marriage with a survival mindset for too long, focusing on merely getting through conflicts and staying together rather than genuinely thriving. While maintaining a marriage is important, the ultimate goal should be to create a fulfilling, joyful partnership that continues to grow over time. Instead of asking, How do we avoid divorce? Couples should ask How we build a marriage that brings deep satisfaction and purpose?

Flourishing marriages don't just happen by chance; they require intentional investment. Emotional connection is at the heart of this transformation. When couples feel truly seen, valued, and understood, they are more likely to navigate challenges successfully. Small, consistent actions—such as practicing gratitude, prioritizing quality time, and supporting each other's personal growth—can dramatically shift a relationship from survival mode to thriving. Furthermore, developing skills in communication, conflict resolution, and shared goal-setting allows couples to enjoy their relationship rather than endure it.

In 2025, more couples will begin to recognize that their marriage is not just something to "get through" but a lifelong opportunity for growth, joy, and partnership. Couples can experience deeper love, greater connection, and lasting fulfillment by shifting focus from mere survival to true flourishing.



As marriage continues to evolve in 2025, couples must be intentional about navigating these shifting trends. While cultural narratives may paint marriage as outdated or complex, the reality is that most couples are happy—especially when they prioritize connection, attention, and mutual growth. Delaying marriage and rising expectations bring opportunities and challenges but also highlight the need for strong partnerships built on trust and shared purpose. Ultimately, the key to a thriving marriage isn't just surviving challenges but actively working toward more profound love, connection, and joy. By embracing these insights, couples can build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

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