In a recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology, researchers found that couples who consumed alcohol together reported more satisfaction in their marriages than couples who drank separately.
Marriage study | Photo: Pixabay
Marriage study: Married couples who drink together, stay together
The researchers from the University compared 4,864 married people over the age of 50 who had been with their partners for an average of 33 years.
They were asked about their alcohol consumption, as well as the quality of their relationship. The findings showed that women who drank while their spouses abstained reported greater dissatisfaction. (An earlier study by the University at Buffalo found similar results, though that focused on newlywed couples.)
Dr. Kira Birditt, the lead author of the study, noted that they weren’t suggesting that people should drink more or change the way they drink.
If anything, this study shows that couples who spend quality time together are happier.
“It could be that couples that do more leisure time activities together have better marital quality,” continued Birditt.
In other words, if couples who drink together are happier, couples who are teetotal should be just as happy.
“…Couples that do more leisure time activities together have better marital quality.”
Photo: Pexels
5 tips to strengthen your marriage
Besides drinking together and doing fun activities together here are some tips to make your marriage happy and strong.
1. Always communicate
Communication is one of the keys to having a successful and long-lasting marriage. It is important to talk to your partner all the time especially if you will have a big decision for your family.
Furthermore, talk about your do’s and don’ts individually or just talk about everything. Make your husband or wife your best friend.
2. Fight, make-up, fight, make-up
Fights are normal in a relationship or marriage, but the most important thing about fighting is how you will resolve each problem you are facing together.
Each fight with your spouse or misunderstanding makes your relationship even stronger and more mature. Because at the end of the day making up is the best thing about fighting.
3. Always respect one another
Love is not always enough to have a long-lasting marriage some people say, but respect is more important in a marriage. For example, he or she made a decision for himself or herself or saying their opinions, hear them, and don’t just ignore them.
4. Don’t stop dating
Being a parent makes your life a busy one but even though you and your spouse have many responsibilities as parents, don’t forget to spend time together.
Make some time together to do the things you are doing together before you became parents. Have a movie night even just at home when the kids are sleeping or ask your parents to look after your kids and travel together even just for 2 days.
5. Forgive, Forgive, Forgive
It will come a time when you and your spouse will hurt each other feelings thru time, whether intentionally or unintentionally. When this happens always talk to your spouse about how you felt. Forgive and talk it out together, everyone makes mistakes so does your spouse.