Can You Relate To Bill & Melinda Gates’ Unhappiness?

The world was surprised—if not shocked—to hear that Bill and Melinda Gates were calling it quits.  After 27 years of marriage, one of the richest power couples in the world are joining the club of gray divorcees.  How does the flame go out for seemingly happy and productive couples after decades together?

The Gates’ Story 

Bill and Melinda met at work, like so many couples do.  When Bill first asked Melinda out on a date, she declined, saying he wasn’t spontaneous enough for her.  (Perhaps it’s because he asked her out for two weeks from that day).  Disappointed, but not defeated, Bill went home and called her, asking if she’d be willing to go out that night.  Proving his willingness to be spontaneous worked, and the couple began dating.  Being the analytical guy he was, when it came time to pop the question he did so only after toiling over a pluses and minuses list that helped him weigh the practicality of marriage.  The question was never about whether or not he loved Melinda, he says.  Rather, he wanted to be sure he was prepared to manage being a CEO and a good husband at the same time.

And for years, it worked.  Melinda chose to be a stay-at-home mom with her three children, concerned about raising the kids and imparting Bill’s and her values.  Bill ran Microsoft, and came home to do the dishes every night.  About the time their youngest graduated from high school, though, things had changed, and the couple filed a separation agreement.

Problems that Lead to Gray Divorce 

The Gates’ story is familiar to many in terms of the joy and excitement of building a life together, only to have feelings wane over time.  People start to experience changes to their responsibilities and routines in their 50’s and 60’s, leading many to rethink their path forward. While no singular event necessarily leads to a break-up, it can be said that a gradual drifting apart finally becomes too serious to ignore.  Particularly now that so many Americans are living longer, the idea of waiting around in a stale marriage becomes just too much to stomach.  Additionally, many women are less financially dependent on their husbands these days, making the possibility of life after divorce more palatable.  Finally, with extra time on their hands during the pandemic, many people began mulling over their goals and their levels of happiness.  When they could admit to living in a shell of a marriage, it became time to try something different.

Can You Relate? 

Has your life changed, and led to realize that, even if your marriage isn’t a source of conflict, it isn’t a source of happiness, either?  Perhaps you’ve decided it’s time to seek other options.  If you are seriously considering divorce, the experienced Baltimore divorce attorneys at The Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes are committed to helping you obtain the best possible results as you move on.  Contact our office for a confidential consultation today.

Resource:

time.com/6046072/bill-melinda-gates-divorce-couples-therapists/