Well, I’m in California (splitting time between 2 large metro areas), not exactly Podunk, ND. And as a matter of fact, I do know a lot of people, as well as come into contact with many, many families on a professional basis. Nonetheless, I make no claim whatsoever that my anecdotal observations are anything but anecdotal observations. But the alarmist piece posted here makes claims of soaring divorce rates... with no supporting data. I don’t think that my response of “Huh, I haven’t noticed that. Got any data?” is unreasonable.
No, not unreasonable. Just unhelpful. And I have nothing against anecdotal evidence - as long as you first explain that you live in a metropolitan area and have, professionally, to do with hundreds of families.
In contrast, merely stating, "In my circle..." - without describing just how large that circle is - is useless.
The stats are out there for anyone willing to invest 5 minutes in googling them.
However, stats can be difficult to properly interpret - esp. in view of overarching demographic shifts (Boomers aging out, etc.) - as well as the aforementioned death spiral of marriage as an institution, itself.
Kinda like asking about the integrity of the sanitation facilities aboard the "Titanic" while she is sinking.
When only 26% of all Black women will ever marry, for example... When 80% of all Black children are illegitimate... When 80% of all illegitimate Black children are sired by the same top 20%...
There are so many more-important factors overlaying the divorce stats that the divorce stats - by themselves - don't actually provide useful info.
Regards,