Does Marriage Really Make People Happier?
I am a firm believer that marriage needs good PR – well better PR than the Kardashians would be a good start. Those of us who have never been married before hear the horror stories and cautionary tales of marrying the wrong person. It is probably one of the biggest concerns many of us have.
A lot of people believe that if they find the right person and get married, their lives will make them happier – richer, and more satisfying. I happen to believe that it can but that is not the reason I ultimately want to marry. I want to get married because I love the man that asks me to marry him. I know, crazy concept!
The Journal of Marriage recently published a study that revealed:
“While both marriage and cohabitation provide benefits over being single, these reduce over time following a honeymoon period.”
I could argue that being single has its moments too – there are days when it can be super annoying and lonely – just like in a marriage.
The researchers also stated that “compared to most industrial countries America continues to value marriage above other family forms. Marriage is by no means unique in promoting well-being and that other forms of romantic relationships can provide many of the same benefits.”
What do you think? Do too many people get married thinking it will make them happier. Would that explain our brief marriages, high divorce rates, etc.?
I always say, if you can’t be happy single, being married won’t change a thing. Miserable singles marry each other and become miserable couples. Miserable couples have miserable kids. That’s lose-lose, man.
Are we on a quest to marry so that we can have happier lives?
By Wise Diva, Misadventures in Atlanta Dating Blog
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271 comments Add your comment
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:01 pm
Sorry, Fion, not off base. I know exactly what I was talking about, so does everyone else here…you’re the only one who doesn’t….is that telling you anything. Here, I’m pulling out a flash card, tell me what you see…..(LOL)
SlimNu
January 18th, 2012
4:02 pm
Kimmie – I’m having leftover tacos from last night. The beau is outta town and he doesn’t like them so figured I could do it up while he’s away. ;-;
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:02 pm
It’s all good, just having fun.
Fion
January 18th, 2012
4:02 pm
@ Leggs
I know this for foreign to you, but there are some ladies out there that really get it. I’mma pray forya Sista.
Blackfoote: The Real Blackfoote
January 18th, 2012
4:02 pm
Leggs on a mission though, and her wing lady’s.
kimmie
January 18th, 2012
4:03 pm
Oldest trick in the book. Crazy folk trying to make you think you are the one that’s crazy!!
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:03 pm
I’m having baked tilapia stuffed with crabmeat, noodles and spinach.
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:04 pm
@Fion ~ please do not pray for me. I’m good over here even if I don’t understand you.
Blackfoote: The Real Blackfoote
January 18th, 2012
4:05 pm
Peace folks just got furloughed out. Heading back to my stairwell.
Blackfoote: The Real Blackfoote
January 18th, 2012
4:05 pm
LOL
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:07 pm
Then have the nerve to tell me what’s foreign to me. I understand most jibberish, but not today…
SlimNu
January 18th, 2012
4:07 pm
Well, I’m just shocked he didn’t dip out. Fion just might’ve earned some type of ribbon today lol
Fion
January 18th, 2012
4:07 pm
In dealing with expectation often times expect our love partner to make the best choices for themselves and our relationship and when they are not our choices,we often get angry, disappointed or both. For most people this situation is a problem. A problem we create by our expectations.
Try this one No expectations, fewer disappointments!
It’s that simple. Not easy. Simple.
Willie Dynamite
January 18th, 2012
4:08 pm
C’mon man
Blackfoote: The Real Blackfoote
January 18th, 2012
4:10 pm
So funny we went from the Twilight Zone, the Event Horizon to turf battles in the MIA. A laugh never fails when I’m here.
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:10 pm
Another crock…
Fion
January 18th, 2012
4:11 pm
@Slim
I’ll just say this. Look at what I wrote and ask a relationship Counselor / Therapist about my posts on expectation and see whatthey tell you.
SlimNu
January 18th, 2012
4:11 pm
Leggs – I don’t blame ya for rejecting his prayer offering. If WE can’t understand him, aint no telling how all that confusion will get translated in a prayer. Might wake up in the wilderness with a rabbid & abusive dude constantly telling you to stop having expectations of an abnormal relationship
kimmie
January 18th, 2012
4:11 pm
Slim/Leggs – All of your “expected” meals this evening sound good!
He really thinks that ish is DEEP!!!!!
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:13 pm
I KNOW, kimmie…
kimmie
January 18th, 2012
4:13 pm
So suppose I expect nothing. Then I get nothing.
I can’t get angry. Or can I?
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:14 pm
Exactly, SlimNu ~ not a time for words to get lost in translation!
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:14 pm
Show me one person who’s living without “expectations.”
SlimNu
January 18th, 2012
4:16 pm
Fion – that counselor would ask me for your contact information to setup an emergency appointment with you
I don’t think your spill of having NO expectations is realistic. However, we do not have to agree nor do we have to understand each other.
Celisea
January 18th, 2012
4:17 pm
Somebody’s been smoking too much kush….seriously
For Real
January 18th, 2012
4:18 pm
Command: Squad Leader 6 come in.
Squad Leader 6: SL6 go
Command: Recon Lat: November 33 degrese 43′27.6228″ Long: Whiskey 84 degrees 27′ 46.4063″
SL6: Huh?
Command: Fly over Fion and see if we need to pull him out!
SL6: Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh… Roger
Fion
January 18th, 2012
4:19 pm
@Leggs
….and oh yeah, the prayer thing was satire, hyperbole. As much Hell and Piss and Vinegar you’re filled with, baby the Pope would have his hands full tryin’ to call thru for you.
Willie Dynamite
January 18th, 2012
4:19 pm
Ladies – alright alright alright. Don’t yall have dinner suggestions or shoe shopping to talk about.
Fellas – dayummit Man a fellow member is stuck behind enemy lines. He doesn’t have the wherewithall to retreat. He is a fighter and still thinks he can win. I know we don’t have it in the budget thanks to all the B.A.B posters and rescue missions last year but dammit somebody gotta do something.
Fion
January 18th, 2012
4:21 pm
Popping smoke now SL6.
SlimNu
January 18th, 2012
4:22 pm
You go to work, you EXPECT to get paid.
You put gas in your car, get scheduled maintenance done – you EXPECT it to run properly and get you to point B.
You and your partner discuss being exclusive, you expect them stay true to their word
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:22 pm
I’m filled with Hell, Piss and Vinegar….that is Rich. Boy, please, you know isht about me. But you are right on the Piss part. I’ve been going to the bathroom all day. Already on my 8th glass of water!
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:23 pm
@Fion ~ If I am truly filled with those other 2 ingredients, I wish more people walking the face of this Earth had half my heart….NEXT!
For Real
January 18th, 2012
4:23 pm
Cop: What do we have here?
2nd Cop: Looks like murder.
Cop: Dayum! Again? What happened?
2nd Cop: Well it looks like somebody stuffed crabmeat, noodles and spinach down this poor tilapia’s throat!
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:25 pm
And remember this old adage, Fion….
A HIT DOG WILL HOLLA…..man you are wasted…go to sleep!
SlimNu
January 18th, 2012
4:26 pm
For Real & WD yall are cracking me up…
Fion
January 18th, 2012
4:28 pm
I the words from Cool Hand Luke “what we have here is a Failure to communicate.
One day we’ll cover “being Responsible vs. Loving. Until then, if you don’t go to Charter, go somewhere and get some help.
But in name Googleworks get HELP. Please get ya mind right.
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:28 pm
And then try to turn things around as if the other parties aren’t making any sense.
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:28 pm
No failure to communicate, you have a failure to articulate….
kimmie
January 18th, 2012
4:29 pm
I want to plant a really nice herb garden this spring. I want one of those Aerogardens actually, then I could have fresh herbs all year.
Might get one of those Topsy-Turvy tomato planters too.
For Real
January 18th, 2012
4:30 pm
SL6: SL6 to Fion. Over!
Fion: Go SL6
SL6: I’m going to make two passes. The first is to drop this magnet and and roll of duck tape for you to secure yourself to the magnet and fashion a hook out of the duck tape. The second pass I will use this gaint hook to pick you up.
Fion: Duck tape and magnet? WTF!!!
SL6: Hey man I’m sorry but dem dayum B.A.B bumper sticker are expensive. Over!
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:30 pm
MEDIC, MEDIC, Man down with a concussion…..
kimmie
January 18th, 2012
4:30 pm
Leggs, like I said, oldest trick in the book!
Leggs
January 18th, 2012
4:32 pm
Yes indeed, kimmie…
Sassy Me...Juicy Fruit ;-)
January 18th, 2012
4:33 pm
that counselor would ask me for your contact information to setup an emergency appointment with you
S.T.A.T.
And said counselor would like to know what size MANTIES to issue…seems like an extra large mangina needs extra large manties…IJS
kimmie
January 18th, 2012
4:34 pm
Gotta run, gang!
I have the expectation that my husband and kids will be home. If not, imma be mad and unfulfilled!!
Be easy!!
Celisea
January 18th, 2012
4:36 pm
B.A.B. tshirts and manties are fresh and readily available. Someone is in dire need. That’s the last resort before having your MLB card confiscated.
Willie Dynamite
January 18th, 2012
4:38 pm
Command – (Screaming) SL6 SL6 come in
SL6 – sl6 over
Command – Radar shows enemy re-inforcements on site. Abort Abort!!!
SL6 – Oh my dayum
Sassy Me...Juicy Fruit ;-)
January 18th, 2012
4:40 pm
Someone is in dire need.
Uhh huh…I wonder what color?…pink or yellow?
Celisea
January 18th, 2012
4:41 pm
Please dude, at the top of the hour can you get you’re whining out??? It’s just not cute nor pretty on the backend of the day. When I come up for breath, I’m hoping the whining has passed.
Willie Dynamite
January 18th, 2012
4:41 pm
Command – (Screaming) SL6 SL6 come in
SL6 – sl6 over
Command – Radar shows enemy re-inforcements on site.
SL6 – Oh my dayum