Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

Several reasons. Some want to put their first or second union in the rearview mirror so they can go on to another commitment. They don’t want to think or discuss the past, especially one of their marital nightmares. Other second-timers feel like two-time losers. To avoid this shame and tag, they “emotionally erase” one of their marriages. They may erase the first marriage by calling it a “starter marriage that does NOT count.” Or they may do the opposite and “forget”  the second mistake. They may even hide the first or second marriage from their children and friends.  

Children who like and accept their stepparents tend to be young (under 12), get to know their stepparents before the wedding, and have parents and stepparents who get along. My book goes into this issue in many places, especially the chapter “How will my children react? How can I help them?”

After the second split, many want a social life and partner, but they are cautious about a third. Interestingly, more women (74%) than men (60%) want a third marriage. Re-partnering is discussed in many parts of Divorcing Again?

Your attitude toward your ex usually changes during the first year or two after the split. Some become increasingly hostile, while others become less emotional and less emotionally attached. These changes will influence the new relationship. However, most people, especially if you are level-headed, eventually calm down and uncouple. By the third year postdivorce, your relationship usually stabilizes. At this point, you have a 50% chance that the two of you will have a civil relationship. Divorcing Again? talks about this.

First-time women leaving a re-wed man usually take the longest to decide—several years on average.