#433 - The Value of a Failed Courtship vs. a Broken Marriage
Let’s be honest, a failed courtship hurts. It stings your pride, makes you question your judgment, and leaves you wondering if you’ll ever get it right. But here’s the truth:
a failed courtship is a temporary heartbreak. A broken marriage can be a lifelong wound.
I’ve coached hundreds of singles through both, and I can tell you, the emotional and financial fallout of marrying the wrong person makes the pain of a breakup look small by comparison.
Today, let’s talk about the real-world difference between a short-term disappointment and a long-term disaster and why a failed courtship might actually be one of the best gifts you’ll ever receive.
đź’” The Time Factor: Months vs. Years
When a courtship ends, you lose a few months, maybe a year or two, but you gain perspective. You discover more about what works for you and what doesn’t.
When a marriage ends, you lose years. Sometimes decades. Divorce isn’t just the end of a relationship, it’s the unraveling of your routines, your home, and the plans you thought would last forever.
Healing from a failed courtship takes courage.
Healing from a broken marriage takes rebuilding your entire foundation.
And here’s the kicker, you can recover money and even confidence. But you can never get back those lost years you spent in a relationship that wasn’t right.
đź’¸ The Financial Fallout: Counting the Real Cost
Let’s take the emotion out of it for a moment. The average cost of divorce in the U.S. runs between $4,000 and $30,000. That’s not including retirement losses, divided property, or legal fees that stretch on for months.
Compare that to a failed courtship, maybe a few date nights, some travel, or a shared vacation. Costly in emotion, sure. But not life-altering.
I’ve seen people rebuild their finances after a breakup in months.
I’ve seen others still paying for their divorce, emotionally and financially, years later. I know, I’m one of those guys that’s still paying.
That’s the difference between a lesson learned and a life detour.
đź’¬ The Emotional Impact: Short-Term Pain vs. Deep Wounds
When a courtship ends, it can feel like rejection. But it’s actually a form of protection.
You’ve been spared from investing your heart AND your future in something that wasn’t built to last.
The pain of a breakup is sharp but clean.
The pain of a broken marriage is slow and lingering. It comes with guilt, resentment, and self-doubt.
It can harden your heart if you let it.
But here’s the empowering truth, you don’t have to let it. Every failed courtship gives you a clearer picture of what real connection feels like. It sharpens your intuition, strengthens your boundaries, and prepares you for the extraordinary love you deserve.
đź’ˇ If You’re Stuck in a Pattern…
If you’re ready to stop repeating the same dating patterns, clarity is your best friend.
Download my free guide, “The Must Have & Deal Breaker Blueprint for Midlife Singles,” and learn how to date with confidence and purpose.
👉 Download Your Free Guide Here CLICK HERE
🌱 Choosing Clarity Over Comfort
Most people don’t end up in broken marriages because they’re reckless. They end up there because they settle for comfortable instead of compatible.
Comfort says, “This feels familiar.”
Clarity says, “This aligns with my values and my future.”
That’s why I teach my clients to create their Must Have and Deal Breaker Lists. It’s not about perfection…it’s about alignment. It’s your emotional due diligence.
A failed courtship isn’t a failure at all when it prevents you from committing to the wrong person. It’s a course correction on your path to extraordinary love.
🧠Bottom Line
A failed courtship costs you a few months of healing.
A broken marriage can cost you your peace, your joy, and your sense of self.
So the next time a relationship ends before marriage, don’t call it wasted time.
Call it wisdom earned.
You’re not starting over, you’re starting smarter.
❤️ Ready for Extraordinary Love?
If you’ve had your share of heartbreaks and you’re ready to find the love that finally fits, let’s talk.
Book a free 30-minute Discovery Call with me. Together, we’ll uncover what’s been holding you back and design a plan to help you find and recognize your soulmate.
👉 Book Your Free Discovery Call. CLICK HERE
To your dating success,
Rick
P.S. I love you. But not as much as I love helping you find real love.
Schedule your free 30-minute Discovery Call and take the first step toward the relationship you deserve.