Happy Marriages: Core Ingredients Pinpointed by Researchers
A significant amount of research has been conducted on what sustains happy marriages. “Love and marriage,” a song made popular by Frank Sinatra in 1955, considers love the key ingredient. The lyrics say you can’t have one without the other. Researchers have identified another core ingredient in happy marriages. It’s generosity.
Having a generous mindset means you want your spouse to feel loved, happy, and fulfilled. Therefore, out of a generous spirit, you freely open your heart to what it takes to bring them joy. Generosity prevents resentment. It reinforces the “us” mindset, trust, and affection. Five other ingredients ensure happy marriages.
Staying Committed
It goes without saying that the importance of commitment in marriage is colossal. Commitment is what gives marriages staying power. Both partners should enter the marriage with the mindset of being committed to their spouse. Studies show that husbands and wives who consider their marriage one of their most important relationships have the most successful marriages.
The commitment key means spouses feel their partners are there for the long haul. Happy marriages involve bonding and secure attachment that deepen your relationship. Secure attachment is when both spouses feel they are seen, supported, and safe. This only happens when there is true commitment.
Feeling Protected
A Family Studies report concludes women rank protection as a key component in happy marriages. Women who feel their husbands protect them physically and emotionally are happier in marriage. Feeling protected is a basic need for women in an intimate relationship. Most wives love simple gestures, such as holding her hand in public or placing an arm around her waist.
Not only is protectiveness important for women in marriage, but it’s also highly rated by men who are married. Feeling emotionally protected translates into husbands being more satisfied and fulfilled in their marriages. While physical protection is important for wives, emotional protectiveness is important for both spouses. This gives protectiveness overall significance.
Church Attendance
This factor has shown up in several studies. Unsurprisingly, couples who share their faith and core beliefs can enjoy happy marriages. When husbands and wives attend worship services together, it strengthens their bond. They feel not only physically and emotionally connected, but also spiritually.
Partners who regularly attend services together confirm that it adds happiness and stability to their union. The adage that says the family that prays together stays together may be reinforced by church attendance.
Quality Time
Happy marriages require quality time. Gifts cannot replace being there for your partner. When partners are willing to set aside time to be together, it speaks volumes to each other. Spending quality time together confirms that your partner matters. It proves they are a high priority in your life. People make time for what is important to them.
Marriage is one of the most important relationships on earth. It involves two people who have chosen to spend their lives together, esteeming each other’s happiness as their own. Therefore, partners must make time for each other. If not, the happiness of the marriage is severely threatened.
Final Thoughts
Marriage is a life-long commitment; it should be spent happily with both partners affirming each other daily. Making loving gestures toward each other is what solidifies happy marriages. This stems from two generous hearts that want to make their partner feel loved, accepted, and cherished.
Love and marriage are strengthened by commitment, protectiveness, church attendance, and quality time. Research has proven these core ingredients are essential for happy marriages. When both partners practice implementing them, they’ll build lasting bonds that will endure throughout the longevity of their marriage.
