Scientists Find Key To Marital Bliss
Ever mulled over the secret of a happy marriage? Boffins from the Geneva School of Business claim to have developed a formula for marital bliss. Apparently, to ensure the best odds on a happy and long-lasting union, the bride should be five years younger than her groom, from the same cultural background and at least 27% more intelligent.
Published in the snappily titled European Journal of Operational Research, the study examined over 1,000 couples aged 19-75 years old over a period of five years, to find out which social factors were most important in a long and happy marriage.
One marriage that seems to adhere to the formula is that of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. At 83, Her Majesty is five years younger than the Duke and they share similar backgrounds, since Philip was a member of both the Greek and Danish royal families.
The findings also predict a happy future for Beyoncé Knowles, 28, and husband Jay-Z, 39. As well as the age gap, Beyoncé has her high school diploma, unlike Jay-Z.
You’d best steer clear of those cougars, though. The scientists found that if a wife was five or more years older than her husband, they were more than three times as likely to divorce than if they were the same age. If the age gap is reversed, and the man is older than the woman, the odds of marital bliss are much higher.
Of course, there are a few other factors that come into play, too, like being reasonably nice to each other, having a bash at communicating now and again, being prepared to compromise, and taking your Mrs on at least one mini break a year. Oh, and obeying the golden rule of stag-dos – What Goes On Tour Stays On Tour – is always a good start.
For expert advice on how to fine tune your marriage, check out Brenda Della Casa’s secrets of a long, happy marriage and get your nuptials off to the best possible start by seeking some wedding advice.
Do you think age gaps really matter in a marriage? Is your Mrs smarter than you and do you care? How important are similar backgrounds in a relationship? Share your thoughts on the wedding forum.
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