Characteristics of Happy Marriages

Characteristics of Happy Marriages


Consider the positive aspects of your marriage. What are you doing that works well? If you have a happy and satisfying marriage, chances are that your relationship has high levels of positivity, empathy, commitment, acceptance, love and respect. These are some of the characteristics that researchers have found to be common in successful marriages.

Let’s look at some of these factors. Research shows that successful spouses have far more positive than negative interactions. If there is too much criticizing, demanding, name-calling, holding grudges and similar negativity—the relationship will suffer. There are many ways to foster positivity in a marriage. Being affectionate, really listening to each other, taking joy in each other’s achievements and being playful are just a few examples.

Another characteristic is empathy, which means understanding another person’s perspective by putting yourself in their shoes. People are more likely to feel good about their marriage if their partner is empathetic. Successful marriages also involve commitment to the relationship. When two people are truly dedicated to making their marriage work, they are much more likely to have a lasting relationship. This means sometimes sacrificing your own preferences for the good of the relationship.

One of the most basic characteristics of a healthy marriage is acceptance of one another. When each partner feels like the other person accepts them for who they are, they are usually more secure and confident in the relationship. When one person tries to force change from the other, this is usually met with resistance. Research shows that change is more likely to occur when spouses respect and accept the differences.

Perhaps the most important component of a successful marriage is love and respect for one another. As time passes and life becomes more complex, the marriage often suffers. It is easy to lose touch with one another and neglect the romance that once came so easily. It is vital to continue to foster love and respect for one another in order for the marriage to have the strength to last.

Source: University of Missouri Extension GH 6610 "Creating a Strong and Satisfying Marriage"

Labels: happy marriage

posted by Robert Heard at 6:02 AM