1. The key to a happy relationship lies in how you treat your spouse
When we go through a bad phase in our marriage or relationship, most people have the tendency to blame their spouse or lover. Many tend to forget that for a happy relationship both the partner need to work in tandem. Also, how a person treats his spouse or partner too can impact their relationship. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who consider their partner as their best friend are more satisfied in their lives.
2. The details
The researchers studied married and unmarried couples living together and almost half of the participants of this study, which was published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, agreed that their partner was their best friend. After carefully analysing the data, the researchers concluded that the individuals who consider their spouse to be their best friend are twice more satisfied and happy than the ones who do not.
3. The finding
Interestingly, this finding was consistent even when the researchers controlled factors such as age, gender, income, and health status of the participants and the happiness levels were higher for the married couples than the couples who were cohabitating.
4. Men vs women
The study mentions that compared to men, women benefitted more from being in a relationship with a person they considered their best friend. However, women were less likely to say that their spouse was their best friend.
5. Is being married better than staying single?
The research also suggests that marriage has a positive impact on a person’s life and offers long-term benefits. The study states, “Marriage may help ease the causes of the mid-life dip in life satisfaction and the benefits of marriage are unlikely to be short-lived.”
6. Why the findings make sense
Well, best friend is that person in our life who is always there for us no matter what happens. We do not think twice before expressing our deepest secrets, fears or sharing good news with him. Would not it do wonders for your marriage if you shared the same equation with your spouse?
7. It’s okay even if your partner isn’t your best friend
You don’t need to start panicking if your lover or spouse is not your best friend. Many people have satisfying and fulfilling relationships even their spouse is not their BFF (best friend forever) and also, being single does not mean you cannot lead a happy life.