Six meaningful conversations, three long walks and two barn-storming rows every month…
A study of a selection of UK happily wed adults also shows they benefit from taking a short break away together twice a year, as well as two longer holidays. And it pays to be affectionate, as the most contented couples reckon they have sex five times a week and say “I love you” up to 20 times a fortnight.
They also kiss two or three times a day and cuddle 11 times every week. The Warner Leisure Hotels study also revealed the top 50 elements which are key to a happy marriage, including pursuing your own hobbies and interests, allowing your other half to see you at your worst, and being silly with each other.
Couples also place importance on listening to each other grumble about work, showing the other how proud you are of them and being respectful in front of others.
Simon Thompson, managing director of the adult-only hotel group which commissioned the research:
“We weren’t surprised to see that taking short breaks is one of the secret ingredients to a happy marriage. Many couples who visit us say they feel closer after a romantic weekend relaxing and unwinding together, and it certainly helps that neither have to do the chores.
“This quality time spent enjoying shared interests seems to be a winning formula for a lasting marriage, along with placing value on time apart pursuing individual hobbies. However, as this survey clearly shows, it takes a good mix of humour, affection, understanding and interest to keep a relationship exciting.”
Other tips shared by those deeply happy in wedlock include forgiving bad habits, not going to sleep on an argument and turning a blind eye when the other is being moody or annoying.
While many swear by trying new things together, going on weekends away and surprising the other half with unexpected gifts. Some of the more comfortable couples believe the key to their success is down to picking their battles, not being offended if the other uses the loo in front of them – and always taking their partner’s side, regardless of whether they are right or not.
“Thnakfully romance and marriage seems to be in a better place than those of the soap operas, Weatherfield, Walford, Hollyoaks Village, Erinsbrough, Summer Bay and Emmerdale village all seem to have their couples in anything other than wedded bliss usually. Maybe they just need to kiss more, have more meaningful conversations and three long walks regularly…” – TV Critic Vivian Summers
A fair distribution of the household chores paves the way for a successful union, as does being able to laugh with each other after an argument. Researchers found 63 per cent of married adults place a lot of importance on their other half behaving romantically – with one in five impressed with the larger gestures like booking a trip away.
More than seven in 10 agree that spending time away together without any distractions can add excitement to any relationship – and remind them why they love each other so much.
However, 36 per cent are also content with the smaller acts of kindness such as dinner out every now and then. And almost four in 10 of those polled, via OnePoll, consider everyday gestures such as putting the bins out as romantic.
Simon Thompson for Warner Leisure Hotels:
“The definition of romance differs from person to person. Some are content with tiny little gestures on a regular basis and others want the full hearts and flowers approach to love.
“Whatever your preference, the key to a happy marriage appears to be time – time with each other, time apart, time to forgive, time to laugh and time to understand.”
TOP 10 KEY COMPONENTS OF A HAPPY MARRIAGE
1. Spending quality time together
2. Looking after them when they’re sick
3. Feeling you can be completely yourself
4. Letting them pursue their own hobbies and interests
5. Seeing each other at your worst and best
6. Having regular cuddles
7. Being respectful to them in front of others
8. Making regular plans together
9. Being proud of their achievements
10. Being silly with each other
