The key to a happy ever after

10:39 09 July 2010

Despite the high number of divorces, the majority of Britain's married couples are living in wedded bliss.

And with the next few weeks being the busiest time of the year for weddings, the results should prove reassuring for those about to walk up the aisle.

According to new report, 70% of married couples would describe themselves as happily hitched.

The study, by scientific matching site eHarmony, took the views of over 1200 married and previously married people and questioned them about their experiences.

The results revealed that while the majority of people are blissfully married, there was almost a fifth that said they were unhappy – and this was feeling more from men more than women.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, and equally unnerving, the responses correlated with the length of time the couple had been wed.

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Of those claiming to be unhappy in their marriage, 16% of those had been married four to 10 years, while for those married 10 years or more, 20% were not content with their married life.

For an insight of the key to a successful marriage, the researchers asked them what they wished they had known about it before they tied the knot.

The most common answer, given by 40% of married respondents would like to have known how essential compromise was.

Senior research scientist for eHarmony.co.uk, Dr Gian Gonzaga, explained the findings: "Couples who share similar personality types, common goals and interests, have a greater understanding of each other which leads to happier marriages.

"For couples setting out on marriage, they are often finding their feet together and concerned about what could lie ahead. Couples who share similar personalities, goals and interests have an upper hand navigating the newlywed transition, whereas those who donÂ’t share those qualities became less happy over time."

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With the UK divorce rate currently around 11%, the researchers decided to get an insight into the difficulties in marriage.

The poll also asked 145 divorced people what they wish they had known about marriage before getting wed. Nearly half of the divorcees admitted they had under estimated the role of constant communication.

As well as the value of frequently talking to each other, the divorcees cited the importance of having more consideration of their partners' values and habits. Over half said these traits were the hardest things about their marriages.