The Case Against Divorce: Discover the Lures, the Lies, and the Emotional Traps of Divorce-Plus the Seven Vital Reasons to Stay Together

by Diane Medved

Despite the pain, the emotional turmoil, the fights and the tears, marital problems can be solved -- without ending in a trauma that will haunt you and your family for years.

Written by a renowned clinical psychologist, this reassuring book reveals how your family, your friends, and even society at large can inadvertently encourage divorce -- and subtly deceive you into thinking that single is better.
-- Step-by-step methods for recognizing your marital problems and working them out-together.
-- The very valid reasons to stay together that are usually given bum raps, including "We Should Stay Together for the Sake of the Children" and "I'm Staying in My Marriage Because I Can't Face Being Alone."
-- The most common reasons given for divorce -- and why they are, more often than not, excuses for not wanting to face the difficulties of marriage.
-- The destructive myths of divorce, including "The Fresh Start." "Meeting Lovers is Easy," and the "Greener Grass Syndrome."
-- The exceptional situations when divorce really is the only answer.
-- And much more.

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 26, 1989

Reviews

[Roseanne Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by a divorcee who originally wanted to write a book about how to divorce amicably. The more study she did, though, the more she realized there are no good divorces. Her recommendation is that we work through our issues and stay married - especially if there are children involved. According to her, divorce is catching, so make every effort to help your friends and family preserve their marriages. It can only benefit us all. We throw away our spouses for things we wouldn't hesitate to forgive in our children. Perhaps it is time to step back and recognize that our spouses are children of a divine Father. We all have our weaknesses. Let's forgive those around us - starting with our spouses.

[Jeff Keehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book that argues it's useless to divorce because you will find fault with your next spouse too. I read this 2 or 3 times but I still got a divorce in 2005. I met someone that same year who did indeed have faults, as does any human being, but they were much easier to deal with. I still think Medved makes a valid argument. She does, of course, make exceptions for cases of physical abuse or drug addiction or other serious problems that can be life threatening for a spouse.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written 25 years ago the information is still relevant and that is that divorce is a life shattering, devastating experience for practically any family and most divorces can and should be avoided. The effects are life-long and generational. She does offer good reasons for when divorce is necessary but they are few and far between.