Are married people truly happier than the unmarried ones? Now, this is a tricky one, isn’t it? Some of the married and unmarried ones might refute this statement. Equally possible is that they both would in fact agree to this debatable hypothesis.
Well, at least for me this is no hypothesis or assumption, as I’m firm on my answer to the question.
If you remember, not long ago I’d written a post on how you can find happiness in a marriage. If I know there are ways to create unlimited happiness opportunities for married people, how can I not agree?
I truly believe that married people are happier than singles. Now it’s for you to read the post and decide for yourself.
For a befitting start-up to the interesting discussion, I have a couple of proven scientific facts to back my choice.
On average, married people show higher levels of health and wealth. And, they also have lower mortality levels as compared to the single people.
So, the married people already seem to have the edge. Anyways, let’s be unbiased, look at the larger picture and try to analyze the two different marital states.
“The trouble with many married people is that they are trying to get more out of marriage than there is in it.” ~ Elbert Hubbard
Surveys and Studies On Married People
Even surveys show that married people are happier attached, than the unmarried unattached lots. For most people happiness is measured by a number of factors.
These include financial condition, job security, health prospects, social life, education, sexual pleasure, and of course family. And studies show that married people always come out on top in most of these areas of happiness.
Researchers have found that married people get a boost in their lives and immense satisfaction from marriage.
The boost in happiness may be very little due to the initial reactions to marriage. However, afterwards the married couples return to their earlier levels of happiness.
Do you think I’m only going to boast and brag of married people? No, they aren’t the perfect god creatures either, and have their own set of flaws.
As per a new study, married individuals aren’t happier than when they were single. But with time and everything considered, married people are happier than those who are unmarried.
Marriage of course isn’t all bliss. In fact another study indicated that if your spouse bothers you, your marriage will like get worse over time. So, all of you married lots – better keep your spouse happy!
“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” ~ Dave Meurer
Health & Happiness in Married Individuals
Married people are less likely to be limited in activities, which includes work or other activities of daily living. However, they are more likely to be overweight or obese than others.
1- Better Health
A survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, found that married people reported better overall health. As compared to singles they had:
- Less low back pain.
- Fewer headaches.
- Less anxiety and stress.
- Lower level of depression
- Less likelihood to drink and smoke.
- More physically active life.
- Longer life expectancy – that’s ten years longer than for those who stay single.
Health studies show that having a spouse reduces your chance of dying from diseases like cancer, heart diseases, or other ailments within ten years of diagnosis.
2- Better Support
Studies also show that married men have lower blood pressure that’s linked to support from a spouse. They are promoted at work more often, and have advantages in terms of money.
Happily married women have lower cholesterol levels and are typically thinner. But those who are less happy suffer the negative effects.
Hold on, here’s something to pep up all the singles who’re bored finding the married people as favorites in this article.
Single women do fare better than their married counterparts, however, conditions apply!
Studies revealed that single women with busy careers and strong social networks were happy. That’s because they are fulfilling their own personal needs.
Some studies also indicate that women are happier single, though some others say they aren’t, just as it’s mentioned here.
“The world has grown suspicious of anything that looks like a happily married life. ~ Oscar Wilde
Married People Vs Single People
Single people may feel that they have the advantage of being free and unattached. However, it turns out that married people may benefit more physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The general perception is that marriage is stressful and even chaotic sometimes. Even though the fact is that marriage is hard work, it still is worthwhile. It has been observed that being married brings about a lot of happiness to a person.
Some of you might prefer to stay single rather than get married. Yes, you have your share of fun, freedom, and carefree attitude.
While for married people, it does tie them down to a life that is full of responsibilities and commitments. But married people also have a family and kid’s they can call their own, and whom they look up for love and support.
Married people have a sense of purpose and marriage provides them a security in their lives.
Most married lots are motivated to work because they have a purpose to provide for their family and give them the best in life.
When married people have roles like that of a parent and spouse to play, it increases their self-esteem and self-worth.
It makes them feel complete and they lead fulfilling lives, which results in true happiness.
But if you are trapped in a bad marriage, then there is no question of happiness.
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” ~ Mignon McLaughlin
In some countries cohabitation is still favored, while in others marriage is more of a social obligation that most of us have to follow.
If you are single, then surround yourself with family and supportive friends, and pamper yourself. Whether you are married or single, you need to fight and achieve your own share of happiness.
Don’t wait for others to make you happy, take your happiness into your own hands and just – be happy!
I’m sure you would love taking this quiz that tells you whether married people are really happier as compared to the unmarried lot.
Finally, I feel that marriage is wonderful. Yes, it has its ups and downs, but that any relationship has.
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” ~ Rita Rudner
You don’t find happiness in a marriage unless you work on it. Happiness in a marriage takes a lot of time, patience, and constant nurturing.
Married people grow and mature with time, have their differences, face stressful situation, and have their good times too. But they learn to bear and do things together, and land up happier in the long run.
So, for all of you who are single and thinking of getting married – go right ahead and get married!
“Love seems the swiftest, but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century.” ~ Mark Twain
Over to you –
Do you feel married people are happier than singles? If you are/were married, are/were you happier married than single? Share your views below.