Winter/Summer Divorce

Abstract

Marriages between an older man and a younger woman frequently end in divorce because the couple is unable to negotiate a critical change in the relationship. Such marriages are often based on an implicit contract in which the wife achieves rapid economic and professional advancement by marrying a successful and wealthier man while the husband gets an adoring and submissive wife who accepts his domination. This works only until the wife matures and demands a more equal relationship. This demand is often experienced by the husband as a breach of their contract and a betrayal of the marital agreement. An inability on his part to renegotiate the relationship is generally the precursor to divorce. This article explores the psychodynamics of such relationships as well as the counseling and legal issues raised by these divorces.