So, here’s the deal: marriage is pretty great for your health, happiness, and even your wallet.
When folks in the U.S. talk about marriage, they usually focus on how divorce can mess up kids’ lives—and that’s totally valid. Tons of studies show that kids from broken homes are more likely to face all sorts of struggles, like poverty, abuse, and mental health issues. Basically, kids do better when their parents are married. And that’s not just good for the kids; it’s good for society too. But there’s another side to marriage that doesn’t get as much attention: it’s also a major boost for adults. It can help you live longer, be happier, and even make more money.
Most of the time, people talk about marriage in terms of morals or emotions—like whether it’s a good idea or if it’s worth the sacrifice. Sure, those are important points, but they often overlook the real perks of being married. Plus, thinking that divorce will automatically make you happier is a bit of a stretch.
I recently teamed up with University of Chicago researcher Linda J. Waite to dive into the research for our book, The Case for Marriage. What we found was pretty eye-opening. There’s a ton of research out there showing that being married is just better for you in almost every way. Married folks tend to live longer, be healthier, and enjoy life more than those who are single or divorced.
So, if David Letterman were to make a list of why marriage rocks, it might look something like this:
TOP TEN REASONS WHY MARRIAGE IS GOOD FOR YOU:
10. It’s Safer. Being married lowers the chances of becoming a victim of violence. Studies show that single and divorced women are way more likely to face violence than married women. And guys? Bachelors are also at a higher risk.
9. It Can Save Your Life. Married people tend to live longer. For example, if you’re a married guy who makes it to 48, you’ve got a solid shot at reaching 65. Single guys? Not so much.
8. It Can Save Your Kid’s Life. Kids whose parents stay married tend to live healthier and longer lives. A study found that kids from divorced homes had a shorter life expectancy.
7. You’ll Earn More Money. Marriage can actually boost your income. Married men often make significantly more than their single counterparts.
6. You’ll Get Richer. Married couples tend to manage their money better and build more wealth together. By the time they’re ready to retire, married couples have way more assets than singles or divorced folks.
5. You’ll Be More Faithful. Marriage tends to promote loyalty. Cohabiting couples are way more likely to cheat compared to married couples.
4. You Won’t Go Crazy. Marriage is good for your mental health. Married people generally report being less anxious and depressed than those who are single or divorced.
3. It Will Make You Happy. Most married people say they’re pretty happy with life. In fact, only a small percentage of divorced folks report being very happy.
2. Your Kids Will Love You More. Divorce can weaken the bond between parents and kids. Kids from intact families tend to have better relationships with their parents.
1. You’ll Have Better Sex, More Often. Married couples report having a more satisfying sex life compared to singles or cohabiting couples.
So, what’s the magic behind marriage? It’s not just about the relationship; it’s the whole package. The commitment and social recognition that come with marriage can really change how people live their lives. It encourages teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of purpose.
And here’s a fun fact: most couples who stick it out through tough times end up happier. In fact, about 70% of those who were very unhappy at first say they’re now quite happy after a few years.
In short, marriage can be a game-changer, and it’s worth considering all the benefits it brings—not just for the kids, but for you too!
