A study released by researchers at Emory University reveals four ways to improve your odds for a lasting marriage. Dating a few years before marriage, making upwards of 50k a year, going to church, and not basing the ultimate decision on looks or wallet-size all seem to make a difference.
Taking time to get to know a little more about your partner is key to a longer marriage. The study found that divorce is 39 percent less likely for those who delayed marriage plans by at least three years.
Finances play a roll in a lasting union. Making $50,000 to $75,000 a year curbs divorce by 39 percent. Your odds improve as your bottom line increases. Couples who make over $100,000 cut their divorce risk by 42 percent, increasing to 51 percent when you break into $125,000 annually.
Researchers found a relationship between going to church more often and marital stability. Couples attending church services on a regular basis cut their risk of separating by 46 percent, while couples that do not attend church are twice as likely to get divorced. While “on and off” church-goers enjoy some increase in duration of marriage, being 10 percent less likely to split, the frequent attenders hold onto the lead.
The Emory study reveals that basing your decision to marry on physical appearance or wealth isn’t condusive to a long marriage. People that considered their partner’s looks important, were 40 percent more likely to divorce. In fact, men focusing on physical attributes are 1.5 times more likely to divorce. For women, placing emphasis on wealth makes them 1.6 more likely to split from their spouse making bonds based on beauty and money a dicey proposition.
Source: Today.com, “Four Ways to Divorce-Proof Your Marriage”, by Scott Stump, October 17, 2014