The Truth About Marriage: A Positive Shift in Trends
Iconic Marriages Intentional Dating Series: The Shift Toward Purposeful Connections in 2025 | Iconic Strategies for Finding Meaning and Love
Good morning, Icons
We’ve had a busy week with a snow day, inauguration, MLK day and more, I hope this week has gotten you a bit closer to your 2025 goals.
We are back with our 1st 2025 Marriage data post. Trust me, there is no math. Yet, this data is to give you hope that it is not all bad out here.
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As the cold weather continues, we are raising $650 to help a family of seven stay warm and safe. They do have a place to stay but the heating and area isn’t the best situation. Iconic Fundraising Campaign is here to help. Your generous contributions will go towards providing heaters, blankets, and other essential items to ensure they have the warmth and comfort they need.
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To show our appreciation, we are offering tiered rewards for those who help us reach our goal:
$10: A heartfelt thank you and “Don’t Give Up” our 4th eBook.
$25: Iconic Formula for Marriage Success eBook.
$50: A print copy of Iconic Formula for Marriage Success
$100: A special mention in our newsletter with access to Iconic+ premium paid newsletters and “Mrs. Pinky Thoughts” podcast.
$200: Print copies of all 6 books in print.
Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of this family. Together, we can ensure they stay warm and safe during this challenging time. Thank you for your generosity and kindness!
Bonus: You get on our Preorder list of our newest book “Dating with Purpose” dropping February.
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The Truth About Marriage: A Positive Shift in Trends
In recent years, the narrative around marriage and divorce has often been painted with a broad brush of negativity. Influencers make their money off of telling you what’s wrong with modern marriage, blaming gender issues, and all-around stats that reinforce their negative content.
However, a closer look at the data reveals a more optimistic picture. This newsletter aims to shed light on the downward trend in divorce rates, the increase in Black marriages since the 1990s, and why relationship influencers might not be spreading this positive news. We'll also highlight other encouraging data in the marriage and dating space.
The Downward Trend in Divorce Rates
Contrary to popular belief, divorce rates in the United States have been on a steady decline. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national divorce rate dropped from just over 10.0 per 1,000 women in 2008 to about 7.0 in 2022. This decline reflects a broader trend of more stable marriages and a shift towards more thoughtful and deliberate decisions about marriage. It is almost like intentional dating and marriages has changed the game in a positive way.
The Increase in Black Marriages Since the 1990s
While marriage rates have generally declined across all demographics, there has been a notable increase in Black marriages since the 1990s. Data from BlackDemographics.com shows that although fewer Black women are "now married," more Black women than Black men have been married at least once. This trend indicates a positive shift in the Black community, with more individuals choosing to enter into and maintain marital relationships.
In 2023, there were about 5.18 million Black married-couple families living in the United States. This is an increase from 1990, when there were 3.57 million Black married-couple families in the U.S. Stastics.com
Why Relationship Influencers Aren't Spreading the Positive News
Despite these positive trends, relationship influencers often focus on the challenges and difficulties of relationships. This focus can be attributed to several factors:
Engagement and Attention: Negative news tends to attract more attention and engagement on social media platforms. Influencers may prioritize content that generates higher interaction rates.
Personal Experiences: Many influencers share their personal experiences, which may include struggles and challenges in relationships. These stories resonate with audiences who have faced similar issues.
Market Demand: There is a significant demand for advice on overcoming relationship problems. Influencers cater to this demand by providing guidance and support for those facing difficulties by mostly talking about negative divorce stats, baiting audiences with gender war drama and keeping people locked into dragging single individuals. The market should demand positive content if they want people to want healthy relationships.
Other Positive Data in the Marriage and Dating Space
Beyond the decline in divorce rates and the increase in Black marriages, there are other encouraging trends in the marriage and dating space:
Higher Marriage Rates Among Educated Individuals: Studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to get married and stay married. This trend suggests that education plays a crucial role in fostering stable and lasting relationships.
Delayed Marriages Leading to Stability: People are choosing to marry later in life, which often leads to more stable and mature relationships. The median age at first marriage has risen, contributing to lower divorce rates and more thoughtful marital decisions.
Increased Focus on Relationship Skills: There is a growing emphasis on developing relationship skills, such as communication and conflict resolution. Couples who invest in these skills are more likely to have successful and fulfilling marriages.
In conclusion, while the challenges of relationships are real and should not be ignored, it's essential to recognize and celebrate the positive trends in marriage and dating. By focusing on the encouraging data and spreading this positive news, we can inspire more individuals to build and maintain healthy, lasting relationships.
: U.S. Census Bureau : BlackDemographics.com : Nch Stats : Census.gov : Forbes Advisor
January Fundraising Goal: $4,200
Dear Icons,
As we kick off the new year, we are excited to announce our January fundraising goal of $4,200, which is part of our larger effort to raise $50,000 in 2025. This month, your contributions will be directed towards some critical areas that will help us achieve our mission of empowering marriages and building strong families across America.
Allocation of Funds:
$1,200 towards our CCM (Conscious Conservative Movement Ministry and Leadership Academy) training by
Coach Felecia Killings
, which is essential for expanding our reach and impact towards federal contracts. My next meeting is this month.
Medical Bills: Supporting ongoing medical expenses as I continue my battle with Crohn's disease like doctors’ appointments, testing and medications.
Free Books to Libraries in Middle Georgia: Providing valuable resources to mothers in our community, helping them build strong and healthy families.
Rewards for Your Support: As a token of our appreciation, we are offering exclusive rewards for our contributors:
A copy of our newly released book, "Mrs. Pinky Cooks": This cookbook shares my culinary journey, from growing up cooking with my mother and grandmother, to feeding my family of 8, and my fellow soldiers in the U.S. Army. It also addresses the challenges of cooking with Crohn's disease, prediabetes, and allergies.
Your support is crucial to our success. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference. Together, we can make January a month of progress and positivity as we work towards our 2025 goals.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Let's make 2025 a year of growth, resilience, and love for families across America.
Positive Marriage Data from Pew Research: Insights for Singles and Married Couples
In a world where negative news often dominates the headlines, it's refreshing to highlight some positive trends in marriage. Pew Research has provided valuable insights into the state of marriage and cohabitation in the United States, revealing encouraging data that both singles and married couples can learn from.
Key Findings from Pew Research
Higher Relationship Satisfaction: Pew Research found that married adults report higher levels of relationship satisfaction compared to those who are cohabiting. About 58% of married adults say their relationship is going very well, compared to 41% of those living with a partner. This suggests that marriage can provide a stable and fulfilling partnership.
Increased Trust: Married adults also express higher levels of trust in their partners. They are more likely to believe that their spouse will be faithful, act in their best interest, always tell the truth, and handle money responsibly. Trust is a cornerstone of any strong relationship, and these findings highlight the benefits of a committed marriage.
Societal Benefits of Marriage: A narrow majority of Americans (53%) believe that society is better off if couples who want to stay together long-term eventually get married. This perspective underscores the positive impact that stable marriages can have on communities and society as a whole.
Lessons for Singles and Married Couples
Prioritize Relationship Skills: Whether you're single or married, investing in relationship skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and trust-building can lead to more satisfying and stable partnerships. These skills are essential for fostering a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
Consider the Benefits of Marriage: For singles, understanding the benefits of marriage, such as higher relationship satisfaction and increased trust, can be motivating. While marriage is not the only path to a fulfilling relationship, it offers unique advantages that are worth considering.
Focus on Long-Term Commitment: Both singles and married couples can benefit from focusing on long-term commitment. Building a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect can lead to a more stable and satisfying relationship. For married couples, continuing to nurture and invest in your relationship is key to maintaining happiness and fulfillment.
Stay Informed and Open-Minded: It's important to stay informed about the latest research and trends in relationships. Being open-minded and willing to learn from positive data can help you make informed decisions about your own relationships.
In conclusion, the positive marriage data from Pew Research offers valuable insights for both singles and married couples. By prioritizing relationship skills, considering the benefits of marriage, focusing on long-term commitment, and staying informed, individuals can build and maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships. Let's celebrate these positive trends and continue to spread the good news about marriage and relationships.
: Pew Research : Pew Research : Pew Research
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