“Happily, Ever After?” Hidden marital struggles and their impact on well-being

Dear Editor, Marriage, an age-old institution, is considered a sacred and pivotal pillar of two souls’ unison in our society. The spouse is expected to have adequate agreement and act together with a shared purpose. However, the concept of marital relationship is getting refashioned. The changing expectations from marriage are paving the path to recurrent conflicts, divorce, and significant impairment in mental health. In the Indian scenario, divorce rates are rising, especially in metropolitan areas. Researchers examined data on divorce in the 2001 and 2011 Census of India. They estimated that about 1.36 million people in India are divorced, an equivalent of 0.24% of the married population and 0.11% of the total population.[1] In metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, the divorce rate is more than 30%.[2] It is very common in Indian culture to portray marriages as perfect and satisfying. Even when unaddressed and unsolved issues, emotional distance, or unhappiness are simmering beneath the surface, most people say that everything is “perfect” when questioned. This trend continues until a couple reaches a breaking point and if they seek marital treatment at all. By the time they reach the clinic for intervention, stonewalling is already strengthened. There can be multiple reasons for not acknowledging the issues. One may be the social stigma as well as familial repercussions.[3] In Indian culture, it has been inculcated since childhood that marriage needs “adjustments” and “compromises,” even at the cost of individual well-being. Besides, divorce laws have obstacles that encourage couples to stay married despite serious disagreements in many nations, including India.[4] In marital therapy also, the psychological evaluation of marital problems is greatly impacted by social desirability bias, which affects how people express their level of marital pleasure. A study stated that social desirability and self-reported marital adjustment were significantly correlated, suggesting that people may give their spouses higher ratings to conform to socially acceptable standards.[5] Denial plays a role in couples’ reluctance to share their difficulties. Many people do not realize how serious their marriage troubles are, which can worsen things and increase dissatisfaction.[6] Thus, the paradox is interesting. However, the social security needs bestowed by marriage; on the other, the hidden struggles escalate. Silence stems from several factors, including social expectations that marital satisfaction is a gauge of individual achievement. Relationship education, public awareness campaigns, and emotional literacy programs are needed to encourage openness and reduce stigma regarding marriage. The media can have a significant impact by presenting reality rather than idealized relationships. Exploring the areas of vulnerability and mutual development is also necessary if we genuinely appreciate the institution of marriage—where “happily ever after” is not merely an appearance but a path that couples are assisted in pursuing. In India, marriage holds a revered status yet faces psychosocial risks and cultural silence. Early intervention, acknowledging the need for marital therapy, and awareness campaigns are vital for fostering healthy relationships and community well-being. They are necessary steps towards a “happy” marriage and staying ‘happily ever after.’ Authors’ contributions All authors contributed substantially to the writing and revision of the article and take full responsibility for the content of the publication. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.