A nationwide study of British couples who have been married for longer than TEN years, reveals that 48 percent of Liverpudlians have an EXTREMELY happy union, compared to a national average of just 38 percent.
Couples from Nottingham (47 percent) and those in the West Country city of Plymouth (44 percent) also made the happy marriage list, followed by people from Cardiff and London (both 43 percent) and Sheffield (42 percent).
The study, commissioned by jewellers, Beaverbrooks to celebrate its 100-year anniversary, found that loved-up Liverpudlian couples also spent the most quality time together – 27 hours every week – which could be seen as either a consequence of, or a reason for, their happy partnerships.
But interestingly, the research also revealed a list of hints and tips from couples who had been happily married for more than ten years on how to maintain wedded bliss, with knowing when to apologise and always being reliable coming joint first at 46 percent.
Also, on the list of secrets of a fabulous marriage were never going to the loo in front of each other, however long you have been married, accepting your in-laws’ flaws and being politically aligned.
According to the study being diplomatic is important, with 42 percent saying learning to ‘agree to disagree’ is key.
And sustaining physical affection is also vital, with 42 percent claiming married couples should always kiss goodbye, and 41 percent believing kissing regularly is the secret to a happy union.
Also, on the list was really listening to your partner (38 percent), never having secrets (34 percent), and – the classic – never going to sleep on an argument (26 percent).
For a fifth of British married couples, owning more than one TV is key to conjugal happiness.
Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: “From proposals to wedding days, for 100 years we’ve helped create happy memories for married couples all over the nation. That’s why, to celebrate our centenary, we wanted to reveal exactly what constitutes a truly happy marriage. Although many traditions have changed over the last 100 years, some things will always stay the same when it comes to building a loving relationship.
“Whether it’s saying ‘I love you’ every day, or always finding time for your significant other – it seems there are a few key pointers that will help keep marriages happy and content for partners all over the UK.
“It’s interesting to see Liverpool revealed as the happy marriage capital of the UK, and to find out some top tips on how to achieve a long and happy marriage, from those who do it best.”
The study of 2,000 couples, found that overall, 48 percent of the couples polled said that they enjoyed spending time with their spouse more than anyone else, and four in 10 said they viewed themselves as a team first and foremost.
When asked what the biggest challenges were to married life, at number one (with 34 percent) was financial difficulties, followed by worries about children (28 percent) and work pressures (27 percent).
A quarter reported that one of the biggest hurdles was carving out enough quality time together, while 20 percent said it was their partner getting on their nerves.
Despite 45 percent of married British couples having considered splitting up at least once, a whopping 94 percent admit their life would be empty without their other half.
The study also explored what wedding traditions are seen as most important by married Brits, with having a ring for the proposal coming top of the list at 34 percent.
33 percent still liked the idea of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding, and 29 percent said having a best man was a must.
26 percent think wedding bouquets are still an important tradition, a quarter still like bridesmaids, and 24 percent think asking the bride’s father’s permission is a custom worth keeping.
To celebrate the results, Beaverbrooks is searching for the nation’s happiest married couple to receive £1,000 worth of jewellery and become the face of the brand’s 100-year campaign. Partners who think they might have what it takes to be crowned the UK’s happiest married couple, should visit www.beaverbrooks.co.uk before Tuesday 30 July and explain in 100 words or less why they deserve the coveted title.
TOP TEN CITIES WITH THE HAPPIEST MARRIAGES
- Liverpool – 48 % (percentage who claim to be extremely happily married)
- Nottingham – 47%
- Plymouth – 44%
- Cardiff – 43%
- London – 43%
- Sheffield – 42%
- Stoke on Trent – 42%
- Leeds – 41%
- Newcastle 41%
- Oxford – 41 %
45 SECRETS OF A HAPPY MARRIAGE, ACCORDING TO HAPPILY MARRIED BRITS (TEN YEARS AND OVER)
- Know when to apologise – 46%
- Be reliable – 46%
- Never take each other for granted – 44%
- Say ‘I love you’ regularly – 43%
- Always finding time for each other – 43%
- Learn to agree to disagree – 42%
- Always kiss goodbye – 42%
- Kiss regularly – 41 %
- Share the household burden – 41%
- Always share a bed – 40%
- Share a sense of humour – 39%
- Know that your friendship is the most important thing – 38%
- Really listen to each other – 38%
- Forget the bad, remember the good – 35%
- Never have secrets – 34%
- Share special experiences – 33%
- Hold hands in public – 32 %
- Always tell the truth, even if it will hurt – 30 %
- Have in jokes – 30%
- Never go to sleep on an argument – 26%
- Tell them they are attractive – 23%
- Have a joint bank account – 23 %
- Complement each other regularly – 23 %
- Have separate hobbies – 22 %
- Have at least two children – 21 %
- Never get jealous – 21%
- Own more than one TV – 20%
- Take regular mini-breaks together – 19 %
- Choose your battles – 19%
- Have a pet – 18 %
- Don’t keep your mobile password a secret – 18 %
- Watch Netflix together – 17 %
- Garden together – 17 %
- Let them choose the take-away – 16%
- Have an annual long-haul holiday together – 15 %
- Be financially independent – 13%
- Like (or pretend to like) their parents – 12%
- Have a similar sleep pattern – 12%
- Have regular date nights – 12%
- Have shared friends – 11%
- Never go to the loo in front of each other – 11%
- Accept your in-laws’ flaws – 11%
- Never disagree in front of your children – 10 %
- Be politically aligned – 10%
- Keep in good shape for each other – 10%