What predicts a happy marriage?

 

Hello again, lately I’ve been thinking about what are the ingredients of a happy marriage? In reading the article by Timothy-Springer and Johnson (2018), divorce has become the number one reason for the end of marriage in the last half of the 21st century, not death. So how do we determine what is a happy marriage? Is it stability or the length one has been married or is it determined by the quality or satisfaction of the relationship (Timothy-Springer & Johnson, 2018)? According to the researchers, it is one’s subjective view of the relationship that determines marital quality, and it’s important to remember that men and women view marriage satisfaction differently. The factors linked to lasting marriages include: religion, communication, children, commitment, friendship, and love (Timothy-Springer & Johnson, 2018). However, in recent times, religion has no longer been a predictor of a successful marriage, and the ability to forgive and have fun are seen as predictors of longevity. In reading this article, I learned that relationships are forever evolving and changing with time and it’s the ability to find the positives in order to be “happy” that improves our ability to adapt to life’s unexpected challenges which can mean the difference between a healthy versus an unhealthy relationship (Timothy-Springer & Johnson, 2018).