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People are susceptible to moral panics and nothing seems to inspire dread quite as much as the discovery of a new or mutated strain of a disease – the sort of bug that can turn your bones into jelly and ravage your brain’s frontal lobes leaving you a limp, salivating shadow of your former self. And now, a new and highly contagious infection has been identified by academics at the prestigious Brown University – with researchers claiming that divorcing couples’ desires spread amongst other couples within their social circle in much the same way as a disease is passed from one person to another; the ‘Divorce Virus’, if you will.

The study concluded that close friends of a divorcing couple were 147 per cent more likely to divorce their spouse, the work colleague of an individual going through a divorce 55 per cent more likely to leave their partner whilst friends of friends were 33 per cent more likely to pursue a divorce. Additionally, couples whose siblings divorced were 22 per cent more likely to then divorce themselves.

Experts have reasoned that the phenomenon – which they have termed ‘divorce clustering’ – is largely attributable to individuals feeling that divorce is more acceptable and less stigmatised following them having been informed that a friend or colleague is divorcing their partner.

Other experts have claimed that many married individuals will not consider leaving their spouse as a result of their relationship problems alone. This changes, however, when an individual is experiencing problems in their marriage and becomes aware that a friend or colleague is divorcing their partner as they realise that a divorce is pursuable and could, potentially, solve their problems.

Now, we at Quickie Divorce know that the foundations of a solid and stable marriage are unlikely to crumble due to the inadvertent influence of a close friend, but what about couples who find themselves on the brink of separating; is it possible that such an event could persuade them to give up on a marriage that could be saved? Considering the lures of singledom, it seems entirely possible.

Relationships are difficult, marriages are downright complex. When comparing the former to the latter, commitment and tolerance are required in far greater quantities than they had been previously and, what’s more, any sense of freedom that an individual previously enjoyed is likely to come under significant threat following marriage.

The need to reach compromises that suit both parties is unavoidable when you begin to cohabit and share a bank account. Unfortunately, no matter how compatible a couple are, they will, following marriage, experience bickering, quarrelling and outright arguing in a manner that they had previously believed to be unthinkable. Occasionally, these disputes escalate bringing about great stress and fear which lead people to question the success of their marriage and the wisdom of their decision to wed in the first place.

Taking these factors into consideration, it is entirely understandable that a stressed spouse will begin to give the possibility of divorce more serious consideration following someone close to them having informed them of their decision to divorce their spouse. Worse yet, they may envy the sense of liberation expressed by this individual and conclude that the only means of rectifying the problems they have been experiencing and regaining happiness lies in a fresh start without their partner. In turn, this individual may then tell their spouse that they wish to separate without having sufficiently thought their situation through. Such actions could condemn a marriage that could well have been worth saving to the doldrums of disappointment and failure. Even if a couple were to rectify their differences following such a statement having been made, the rejected spouse is likely to harbour feelings of resentment for quite some time.

What we at Quickie Divorce are trying to communicate is that a decision to divorce or separate is never one that should be taken lightly. Yes, it may well seem that the grass is indeed greener on the other side, but remember that your situation is unique to you, and the decisions of others should have no bearing on whether or not you choose to divorce your spouse.

Before even considering uttering the D word in the presence of your partner, consider your situation. Is there a realistic chance that you and your partner can improve your situation? If there is, then you owe it yourself – and indeed your spouse – to do everything you can to try and resolve your differences. If, on the other hand, you conclude that your relationship is not only in disrepair, but that you are grossly unhappy, cannot see yourself being happy whilst married to this individual and that this will not change, then it may well be time to cut ties to your spouse and proceed with your divorce.

In a nutshell, don’t initiate divorce proceedings because of what those around you are doing, do it because – following heartfelt, considered and extensive analysis – you have decided it’s what’s best for you.