Is the 7-Year Itch Real? What Data and Real Stories Show About Marriage

We’ve all heard it: “The 7-year itch.” The idea that around seven years into a marriage, things start to feel off. Maybe you’re less excited, less connected, or even start to question whether this is the person you want to be with forever. But is this just some urban myth, or does it actually hold weight?

The 7-year mark is often talked about, but let’s see what the statistics say about marriage and divorce.

What is the “7-Year Itch”?

First, let’s talk about what the 7-year itch actually means. The term was popularized by the 1955 movie The Seven Year Itch, where Marilyn Monroe’s character flirts with a man whose marriage is stuck in a rut.

Since then, people have used the phrase to describe a moment in a marriage when one or both partners begin to feel restless or dissatisfied.

You’ve probably heard people say things like, “If you make it past seven years, you’re good.” But is there truth to it?

So, Is the 7-Year Itch Real?

Yes, the “7-year itch” is real — sort of.

Studies show that many couples start feeling some kind of shift in their marriage around that time.