While we all hope for a ‘happily ever after’ in our relationships, sometimes they just don’t work out—and that’s okay. It’s often better to go separate ways than stay together when things aren’t right.
Even so, there are times when the cause of a breakup can be a bit… unconventional. Like a disagreement over Star Trek or a fight about toilet paper. At least, that’s what did it for a few couples in a recent r/AskReddit thread, where users shared some of the strangest reasons people ended up getting divorced.
Keep scrolling to check them out, and don’t miss our conversation with divorce coach Nawal Houghton about what might be hiding behind these seemingly trivial splits.
#1
My history teacher in high school was married to a woman who had escaped from a Magdalene laundry in the '80s. Less than a year into their marriage she started having seizures that had no visible physical/neurological cause and couldn't be controlled with meds. Eventually the hypothesis was that the seizures were caused by the trauma she suffered in the Magdalene laundry, but they couldn't figure out how to treat them. By then the seizures had damaged her brain so much that she was functioning on the level of a toddler. There was eventually a new anticonvulsant that came out and was able to control her seizures, but the brain damage was permanent. This wasn't the cause of their divorce -- my teacher stayed married to her for another 30 odd years. He got her in-home care while he was working and took care of her himself when he was home.
The actual cause of the divorce was that my teacher was about to retire, and he wouldn't have been able to afford the level of home care his wife needed on his pension even with him being home more and the government subsidies that are available in our province, so she needed to be placed in a long-term care home. Problem was, LTC homes at the time were prioritizing admitting people with absolutely no potential family support. The fact that they were married would have left her on the wait list for a spot in long-term care for 3 to 7 years. He had to divorce her in order to get her the care she needed.
Image credits: plaskettball
Ending a marriage is not an easy decision by any means. But calling it quits with your spouse because they have a strange opinion on COVID or won’t share their Netflix password doesn’t exactly seem like the kind of misunderstanding that warrants a divorce.
To get to the bottom of why this happens, Bored Panda spoke with divorce coach Nawal Houghton.
As it turns out, there’s often more beneath the surface than we realize. “What may seem like a small or random reason for a breakup is usually the ‘last straw’ that reveals deeper, unresolved issues within the relationship,” Houghton explains. “It could be the result of many different problems building up over time, or it might symbolize much larger emotional experiences or simply a breakdown in communication.”
“I’ve had clients in my practice who fought over something as simple as keeping the house too hot or too cold,” she adds. “One partner felt consistently uncomfortable, which in the end left them feeling ignored and uncared for.”
Sometimes, the final argument signals that a person has hit the end of what they can tolerate. As Houghton suggests, we often adapt or put up with things we don’t like for the sake of keeping the peace. But eventually, there comes a point where that’s no longer sustainable.
#2
I don't think it was a divorce but my favorite is still the you smell guy! This guy kept telling his significant other that she stinks. He'd tell her go get a shower, I don't know why I put up with you, you smell so bad etc etc. It had been going on for years and she had seen doctors and other professionals and had even purchased medical grade deodorants and soaps!
She could never smell it so she would ask her friends and then be like you're fine. But the minute her boyfriend/husband/whatever came home he'd be like oh my God you stink. Finally she freaks out and says we just need to break up then because I don't know what's wrong with me and it's clearly making you unhappy and I don't think I stink at all and I've been doing everything I can so we just need to break up!
He breaks down and admits that his dad has done that to his mother their whole married life and told the him to do it to his significant other, I.e the original poster.. because if he could keep her insecure enough she would never leave him. So the whole thing was a lie. She dumped him.
#3
Guy I used to work with divorced his wife during her first round of chemotherapy. He explained that her hair had started to fall off and that the perspective of not being able to pull her hair during doggy style for at least two years was too much of a sacrifice. He tried his hardest to play the victim after that when EVERYBODY in the office stopped talking to him.
Image credits: LaFilleDuMoulinier
#4
Went on a date one time with a man that had divorced his wife because “she was just sad all the time and I just couldn’t take it anymore. It had been like 3 months and she would still cry when she heard his favorite song”. Her dad had passed from a heart attack at the age of 52 but this man had the audacity to believe “she should have expected it. All parents die at some point”. Yeah sure, maybe if he had been 92 it wouldn’t have been as much of a shock but it would still be something to be sad about and grieve.
I put my head down until I could catch the waiter and then noped the f out of there. Imagine if this man ever found out I had checked myself into the hospital for a 72 hour watch TWO YEARS after my mom passed because the grief finally caught up with me.
Image credits: Wanna_b_a_Panda
So, what else is hiding behind these seemingly trivial reasons for divorce? According to Houghton, financial strain, infidelity, and poor communication are often to blame. However, she’s also seen more unique causes come into play.
One surprising issue Houghton has observed is lifestyle mismatches. “Differences in interests or habits—like one person becoming overly invested in a new diet, religion, or fitness routine—can create tension,” she says. What might start as a harmless personal preference can snowball into a significant source of conflict if the other partner feels left out or pressured to change.
Unmet expectations in daily routines, such as disagreements over household tasks or cleanliness, also play a big role. “In a few cases, couples have even cited unusual sleeping arrangements as a reason for divorce,” Houghton shares. “Whether it involved someone insisting on using dozens of pillows or strange bedtime habits, their incompatibility in sleep became a deal-breaker.”
#5
The couple was actually still in love but one of them became disabled and couldn’t access support benefits unless they were legally single, so….
Image credits: CharlotteLucasOP
#6
My coworker’s daughter divorced her husband right after their honeymoon because he was so cheap he wouldn’t let her eat out on their honeymoon. They had to get things from the grocery store for the mini fridge and that was all they were allowed to eat because it was a waste of “their” money now that they were married. (But it was fine when she paid for meals out *before* they were married). I think it was technically an annulment.
She didn’t want to be married to a cheap bastard her whole life.
Image credits: lucyfell
#7
Saw a story on here about a guy divorcing his wife because she chose to breastfeed her children. Why you ask? Because she was “perverted” and it was “pe**phile-like” of her to allow her newborn to breastfeed because nipples are only for pleasure according to him. Sounds made up but she posted the court documents and everything and it was 100% real. Dudes definitely projecting some inner pedo tendencies.
Image credits: jessejml
“Some spouses describe a growing emotional distance, where they feel more like roommates than romantic partners,” Houghton notes. “This ‘roommate syndrome’ often feels like a slow, subtle decline in intimacy, but it’s usually what leads to divorce. Even without fights or obvious conflict, the emotional disconnect can become unbearable over time.”
Parenting style clashes can also drive couples apart. It’s normal for partners to have different views on raising children, but when one wants to home-school and the other insists on traditional schooling, or they have opposing approaches to discipline, the relationship can suffer.
#8
Medical bills, so the partner isn’t forced to accept debt after the other’s passing.
Image credits: bmcapers
#9
She didn’t like the ghosts that haunted him… he didn’t even believe in ghosts.
I still think the real reason was the dog walker she was banging.
Image credits: Billbapaparazzi
#10
I knew a couple that were married for years. The wife became pregnant about year 10 of the marriage. Husband left her because he decided the day the baby was born that he didn’t want children.
Image credits: Munchkin-M
Many of these troubles are symptoms of latent incompatibility, often noticed when it’s already too late. But, as Houghton points out, it’s possible to gauge how well you and your partner truly align before you tie the knot.
“It’s essential to have honest conversations about your core values—family, finances, career goals, spirituality, and social beliefs,” she advises. While personality differences can complement each other, significant misalignment in values can create friction and misunderstandings. Couples should ask themselves: Do we agree on the big things that shape our lives?
Remember to pay attention to how well you communicate. “Before marriage, observe how you and your partner handle disagreements, make decisions, and express emotions,” Houghton suggests. “Are you able to resolve conflicts respectfully and productively?”
Emotional compatibility is just as important. “Some people need verbal reassurance, while others may prioritize physical affection or acts of service,” Houghton says. It’s crucial to understand each other’s emotional needs and make sure you feel safe and supported. And of course, this should go both ways.
#11
This is not the only reason why we divorced, but my former husband and I fought A LOT because I would not make an appointment for him at my gynecologist’s. (I worked in the office.) He was not trans. He had male genitalia. There was literally no reason for him to see a gynecologist. It was a huge bone of contention in our marriage.
Edit: He did not have male breast tissue concerns. His reason was that he thought it was unfair that a doctor could choose to treat women only. He found gynecological science to be discrimination against men. I was never able to convince him that a gynecologist is basically a uterus doctor and there’s no reason for a cis man to see one. In his mind, he was oppressed.
I was the person who answered the phone and set appointments for patients. He didn’t want me to call for him.
Image credits: Throwawayprincess18
#12
A friend of mine divorced her husband over a cocktail.
He didn’t drink. She drank occassationally. They always slip the bill, except if she ordered an alcoholic beverage, then she would pay for it. Ironically, his non alcoholic drinks cost more than her alcoholic drinks. Expensive mocktails, smoothies, etc.
A crowd of about 8 of us went out for dinner. After dinner she ordered her first alcoholic drink, a cocktail. He told the waiter no, cancel it. She said yes she wants it, he said no, she yes, he no, yes, no. This went on for ages and bare in mind, she was paying for it anyway.
She walked out and filed for divorce.
He refused to pay for her dinner, I paid for her and said consider her first divorce present.
Image credits: Willing_Lemon2231
#13
Her husband was purposely over-tightening every jar of food in the house. She finally snapped after he said he would stop and he started again a few weeks later and she filed for divorce.
Image credits: fuckswagga
Consider your lifestyles—not just your daily habits, but whether your visions for the future align. “This includes things like where you want to live, how you spend your free time, and your views on health, wellness, and social life,” Houghton adds.
Talking about long-term goals is another key step. Ask yourselves: Where do we see ourselves in 5, 10, or 20 years? Think about career paths, having children, travel plans, and even how you envision retirement.
It may seem obvious, but be transparent about your financial expectations. “Discuss how you both approach spending, saving, and budgeting,” Houghton recommends. “Make sure you’re on the same page about financial goals and understand each other’s money habits to prevent future issues.”
Don’t underestimate the impact of physical intimacy. You and your partner should feel at ease talking about and meeting each other’s needs. A strong physical connection, mutual attraction, and satisfaction all play a key role in keeping a relationship solid.
Lastly, take a look at how your partner interacts with their family and friends—and how they engage with yours. “Family and social dynamics can say a lot about how well you and your partner are matched,” Houghton says.
So, if you hear another story about a strange reason someone decided to end their marriage, don’t be too surprised. Chances are, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. And as you take the next steps in your own relationship, use this knowledge to build something strong and enduring.
#14
The husband faked having been in the military to impress the wife while they were still dating (her dad was military). He went to great lengths to continue this lie as the relationship progressed. Wore a military uniform to the wedding, faked time lines in his life.
After the wedding he was pressured into getting a GI loan for a house, and that’s when the story fell apart. Turns out he bought the uniform off eBay.
Image credits: jagger129
#15
There was a story on reddit about a man divorcing a woman, because she lived according to a very precise beige color scheme, and would toss out any item (including baby toys and clothes) that didn't fit that scheme, culminating in a bunch of lovingly knit sweaters the MIL had made. It didn't help that this woman came across as utterly bonkers and abusive. So, that's that.
Image credits: MoiJaimeLesCrepes
#16
My ex divorced me after his best friend died of a d**g overdose. He left me to be with his best friend’s girlfriend, he felt he needed to “take care of her” now that his friend was gone. We had only just met her at the funeral. They broke up within 2 weeks.
Image credits: Old_Judgment5317
#17
I know a couple who had different opinions regarding coronavirus and ended up divorcing over it.
Image credits: surveyor2004
#18
I know a couple for whom the last straw was my father making a joke at the wife's expense, and the husband laughing at the joke.
For context, they'd been on the rocks for a while but were doing counseling etc to try to save the marriage. At their son's birthday party, my dad was lighting the candles. The wife asked, "why did you start from the edge instead of the middle?"
Dad said, "I was worried you'd have nothing to complain about."
The husband laughed, the wife stormed out, and they divorced.
#19
My mate teared up during the ceremony apparently it was unmanly and she got the "ICK".
Image credits: Comfortable-Park3598
#20
My family actually has a Family Law Firm, so I grew up with strange stories of divorce.
Strangest reason for a divorce? Wife didn’t like that husband made her ex (previous marriage) look pathetic to Wife’s family during a holiday bbq. Apparently, Husband was noticeably better with the grill than Ex and Wife felt that Husband had emasculated Ex on purpose. And before anyone says it, no Wife was not having an affair with Ex, she was having an affair with her stylist.
Dumbest reason for a divorce? Husband idolized his own father, so when his parents got divorced because his Dad thought his wife was getting old and he should find a young trophy wife (Spoilers: He Didn't). Husband filed for divorce so he could act as his Dad's wingman without any guilt.
#21
Mormon couple I knew had an *extreme* lack of sex ed. As in, they didn't know a thing about it even on their wedding night.
Their expectation was that they would get married, get naked and lay next to each other on the bed, and God would do magic-something for the pregnancy to happen.
When nothing happened, the dude actually went out and got advice from a male friend of his about what *should* have been happening. That's literally the moment that he learned penetration would be a thing.
They were both so disgusted by the idea that they had their marriage annulled the next day.
#22
The wife was obsessed over toilet paper usage, and would listen in when the husband was going to the toilet to see how many pieces he used.
Image credits: The_Awesomeness999
#23
Man and woman. They have three or four kids. She was a big woman and wasn’t attractive. Husband worships her.
Wife gets cancer. The weight just falls off her. She survives it and a little weight comes back. Suddenly, other men are finding her attractive. She loves the attention. Starts going out to the bars at night and staying out.
One day she sits hubby down. Tells him she can do better than him since she now has more options. Packs her stuff up and abandons hubby and the kids like they had never mattered to her. Not a drop of regret.
She said cancer had given her a second chance at a better life and she wasn’t going to waste it.
#24
I have a distant relative, they divorced because the wife slept too much.
Image credits: Dear-Reputation-3145
#25
He ate meat. She was vegan. They had separate grills. He cooked burgers on hers while she was gone.
Image credits: Professional-Kick354
#26
He refused to share the Netflix password... yup, that was the final straw.
Image credits: Pussy_Cat0313
#27
One of my uncles. His first wife filed for divorce after he took a bite of a sandwich she'd made herself.
Now I guarantee there were other problems in that relationship, but that was apparently the final straw.
Image credits: bluegrass502
#28
She accused him of banging his boss.
As she was a relative we believed her, but I bumped into the bloke a few years later and it turned out he had evidence of her sleeping with at least four different guys whilst they were married. She made up the story to safe face.
That was one awkward Christmas afterwards….
#29
I heard from a friend was because one partner refused to share their collection of rare rubber ducks. It sounds odd, but it became a major issue that led to their separation.
Image credits: SexyxXWoman
#30
"Intolerable puns" was listed in the divorce paperwork.
#31
I knew a couple who had been together for more than 20 years, but all of a sudden, they both filed for divorce because they argued about where to put their toothbrushes in the bathroom
They have 3 kids, never went to marriage counseling, and both have successful careers and are very popular in their communities
I’m fairly certain there’s more to the story than that.
#32
They divorced over a game of monopoly the both thought they were cheating at monopoly it escalated to shouting then fighting until the both got mad and started sawing furniture in half. Three days later divorced, she lives in France, he lives in Botswana now.
Image credits: Acrobatic-Fortune-99
#33
A friend of a friend moved back to his country after deciding that he doesn’t want to pay taxes in wife‘s country and support its welfare state. They had two children in school and his wife obviously didn’t want to uproot her life for such a stupid idea. They divorced shortly after.
#34
Not technically a divorce, but I knew a long-term couple that broke up because he insisted that she should be the one to buy condoms for him...like, if she wouldn't buy condoms for him, she was showing she wasn't committed to the relationship. They are both insane, but what a weird reason to end a years-long relationship over.
#35
Not heard but personally experienced.
In the paperwork for my divorce the reason down is that i did not make her a cup of tea.
Im from the UK.
#36
A coworker thought it was strange that her husband divorced her. After their son was born, she informed her husband that she would be focusing on their son for the next 18 years, and would get back to him after. She was so confused by the divorce.
#37
I have a friend who got thrown to the curb because his now ex-wife's new cat did not like him.
Image credits: Pretty-Ad-6529
#38
They got married in college and divorced by the time he got into medical school her reasoning “he doesn’t make any money” the guy is a heart surgeon in Chicago now.
#39
Realizing that the wedding ring was not fancy enough (my mother in-law's friend).
Image credits: thesecretcodexx
#40
I know a girl who met her truest love on WoW. She moved from CA to like the Midwest to be with this dude and start their "amazing life". At some point during wedded bliss she started an argument with members of her guild that boiled to the point where she insisted her man defend her from these online meanies. As he was a real adult he told her to handle it on her own, so she left. 10/10 romance.
#41
The wife got a visa to Australia but he didn't. They were trying to leave communist Poland together so she went ahead with their small child. By the time he was able to join them they'd grown so used to being apart they just didn't want to be married anymore. They're still very close friends but both remarried and live separately.
#42
My Grandmother was married like 5 times. One guy was really tall and when she moved in, the kitchen cabinets were installed really high. He didn’t want to adjust, so she left him.
#43
A woman divorced her husband because he insisted on eating peas with a knife—talk about a cutting-edge reason.
Image credits: Robin_Ethereal
#44
The husband of my sister cheated on her more than once. Every time they got back together and finally married and had kids.
She wanted couple counseling to flat out some problems they had (he wasn't able to get the money together and bought nice things for himself, she earned more than him, he was a man child and didn't help much in the household, he often was mean to the kids.
Finally HE divorced on Christmas eve because SHE doesn't have trust for him. Left her in debt, git together with another woman two weeks later. Today (circa one and a half years later) both kids don't want to visit him anymore because they eventually realized what an idiot he is.
#45
When I worked in mortgage, I facilitated at least 3 divorces so people could qualify for loans.
#46
My mom got in a fight with her first husband and threatened to divorce him. He said, "you wouldn't divorce me," and she said, "oh yes I would!" And told me she marched downtown and filed because he didn't take her seriously.
Luckily, she married my dad and I'm here but she always loved him and regretted that. And yes, she has an (undiagnosed) personality disorder from my viewpoint.
#47
He refused to shave off his beard.
I'm sure there was more to that story, but that apparently was the relationship's coffin nail.
Image credits: wilderlowerwolves
#48
I don't have a source. But I read a story about a couple in rural Pakistan (I think). Per the rules, if either spouse says the word "Divorce" three times, then they are divorced. Period.
Well apparently they were in bed and the husband talks in his sleep a bit. And the wife heard him say "divorce" three times. So she wakes him up to tell him he just divorced her. He calls it nonsense as he was sleeping and nothing said while sleeping counts. She argued it did.
Long story short, they went to the village elders for a decision. They said that they were, in fact, now divorced. (Ex) husband says he doesn't want to divorce her, he loves her. They said that didn't matter, they're now divorced. He asks if he can just remarry her right there. They say he can't. He has to marry someone else first, and then divorce her. Only then can they remarry.
I often tell people no divorce was ever a bad idea... except that one.
#49
A uni friend got divorced because her husband left desiccated coconut on the sofa after he ate a snowball (chocolate covered marshmallow covered in the coconut).
She was married 2 months.
#50
My ex husband got remarried fairly quickly and after not knowing the woman very long. My kids never liked her very much but she was kind to them and they were trying to get to know her. He divorced her after less than a year and told everyone it was because she is a “flat earth believer”. ???♀️ .
