This research examines the ways in which decisions to begin and to end relationships may be interrelated. Using data from two waves of the National Survey of Families and Households, the author investigates whether knowledge of initiator status in separation improves our understanding of subsequent patterns of remarriage and union entry. Previous research and theories of divorce suggests that divorce initiators may perceive favorable prospects for remarriage or may be better prepared emotionally to remarry than noninitiators. Results suggest that initiators do tend to enter subsequent unions more quickly than do noninitiators, although this differential diminishes considerably 3 years after separation. There is also evidence that initiator status is a stronger predictor of remarriage and union entry among relatively older women than among younger women, suggesting that older women may be more likely to delay ending an unsatisfying marriage until prospects for forming another relationship are good.
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