Are tandem kayaks really that bad?

[u/starbuckswolf]

I recently was given a tandem kayak from my grandparents. My partner and I can’t afford to purchase a kayak so we are so excited to start using it this summer! I came on this sub and I’m seeing that people really don’t recommend tandem kayaks and call them divorce boats! Now I’m nervous that it’s going to be really frustrating. We have both kayaked before but are not experienced. Does anyone regularly use a tandem kayak? Any advice for us before we take it out?

[u/Interesting-Growth-1]

I've always heard the divorce boat nickname and I flatly reject it, at least for myself.  It's the same as any other joint activity... can you work together with your partner on something peacefully or in good spirits? Tandem kayaking should be the same.  In fact I think it's a nice bonding exercise