Being a divorced older adult is a far more common occurrence than it was even a few decades ago.

In 1990, roughly 5% of folks 65 and older were divorced. By 2022, that number tripled to 15%, according to new research from Bowling Green State University , based on U.S. Census Bureau data.

Sociology professor Susan L. Brown, the researcher behind the project, speculates that longer life expectancy as well as the higher rates of divorce among subsequent marriages may play a role.

This cohort of individuals experienced the divorce revolution in the 1970s as young adults, and many eventually remarried, Brown said in a press release from the university . We know that remarriages are more likely to end in divorce than first marriages, which could be one cause for the increase.

We asked HuffPost readers who divorced later in life to share the moment they realized their marriage was over. Heres what they had to say about their splits.

Responses have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

1. He left in the midst of a spectacular clich of a midlife crisis after 27 years of marriage. He didnt know if he wanted to be married anymore and loved me like a relative. About nine months later, I woke up one day and realized I was happier without him. E.P.

2. My husband and I worked at the same company but in different offices. I decided to go meet him at his office since I was done with work early and checked to see if his work calendar showed any meetings left that day. He had blocked me from looking at his work schedule. Jeri S.

3. When after 25+ years and two kids, he admitted to serial cheating because he thought he had given me an STD. He hadnt. Hes gone. I have the kids now grown but still with me the house, a fiance, and never speak to him. Life is much better. I have no idea what his life is like. I dont really care. Heather F.

4. Knowing a single moment it was over is hard to pinpoint. Knowing the single moment things changed is easy to pinpoint. Four counselors said she was the problem. At some point I finally had to respect myself again since she clearly didnt. It would have been too easy to stay. I was ecstatic the day the divorce was finalized. Greg F.

5. My mother-in-law said, I dont know how you can stand him. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I did absolutely everything to run our household and family with three children and twins in this mix. The only thing I didnt do was cut the grass or blow the snow, which he did under duress. When we separated and my children and I took over these publicly-seen-not-silent chores of manhood, I realized he was seasonal help and not very reliable in this way and many, many others. Mary Beth K.

6. When I got a text obviously meant for someone else. Deborah V.

7. I told him I needed him to care and be more attentive sexually, and he told me he didnt care if I was pleased. KT O.

8. When I considered keeping a gun under my pillow for my safety. Which is too late and ridiculous to think about it now. My last two years of a 22-year marriage were mentally and physically draining. I lived and slept in the garage of my own house. Amy M.

9. The moment I knew it was over at the age of 57 after 33 years of marriage: When my disabled adult daughter and I came home after a week visiting family in another state and he had cleared out of our home and left me a note on the kitchen counter. Nancy H.