According to Bath University mathematicians looking for a way to "optimise spousal allocation", a wife needs to be five or more years younger than her husband and she needs to be better educated than he is.
A 2003 study that analyzed 17,000 folks, "The fate of the parents’ marriage, the couple’s age when they tie the knot, the groom’s schooling and behaviour at the age of 16 and the bride’s job and academic qualifications all play key parts in determining the chances of success."
Source: Roger Dobson, Maurice Chittenden.
"Revealed: the formula for a perfect marriage." TimesonLine.co.uk. 4/06/2003.
Others, like Michelle Obama, believe that a perfect marriage doesn't exist. "The last thing we want to project is the image of a flawless relationship. It's unfair to the institution of marriage, and it's unfair for young people who are trying to build something, to project this perfection that doesn't exist."
Source: Mike Celizic. "Politics, 'Dates' Put Bumps in Obamas' Marriage." NBCMiami.com. 10/30/2009.
Needless to say, there is a lot more to having a perfect or a great marriage than choosing the right person to marry or checking out a person's age and education. Hopefully you will find someone you not only love but like, who has similar life goals and values, is able to communicate and handle conflict, and is an honest person.
While we don't recommend becoming obsessed about magic formulas or setting up a spread sheet to record your success in achieving any of these goals, Gayle Ritchie of DailyRecord.co.uk lists a few interesting suggestions for a happy marriage:
- Cuddle with your spouse three times a day.
- Kiss your spouse four times a day. A peck on the cheek counts.
- Say 'I love you' to your spouse at least once a day.
- Share two hobbies that you both are passionate about.
- The two of you should have two romantic meals alone together a month.
- Call, text message, or email your spouse three times a day.
- Twice a month you should have some time alone away from each other.
- At least once a year, the two of you need to have one weekend alone together.
- Three nights a week snuggle together to watch TV or a film.
- Try to celebrate one holiday away together each year.
We would add:
- Hold hands with your spouse when you can.
- Be willing to forgive.
- Listen to your spouse.
- Share chores.
- Be kind.
- Compliment your spouse on a regular basis.
- Keep intimacy alive in your marriage.
