Research reveals that 70% of Brits are living in wedded bliss. Despite almost daily reports of celebrity marriage break-ups, the results of the first Happy Marriage Index from scientific matching site, eHarmony.co.uk reveal that 70% of married couples would describe themselves as happily hitched.

Study of love

The eHarmony study of 993 married people from across the UK found that the majority of people are blissfully married, with the Scots leading the way – 78% of those north of the border would class themselves as happy.

Northerners, while still happy are the least upbeat, with 64% reporting to be happy in their marriage.

Who's the happiest?

Results also reveal that women were even more positive about married life than men.

72% of married women felt on cloud nine with their nuptials compared to 67% of men.

Men vs women

Just over a fifth (21%) of men said they were unhappily married compared to 17% of women.

Just 16% of those in a 4-10 year old marriage claiming to be unhappy compared with 20% of those married ten years or more.

Relationship experience

The Happy Marriage Index is a twice yearly survey of UK married couples tracking various aspects of married life. 

Forty four percent of those who took part in the first ever index said they wished they had known the importance of constant communication before they tied the knot, whilst 40% wish they had known how essential it was to compromise.

Lessons learnt

There are lessons to be learnt from divorcees as well – 45% of separated couples said they wished they had known the truth about their partner's bad habits before they had said 'I do', and also how important it was to communicate constantly,(45%).

Dr Gian Gonzaga, Ph.D, Relationship Scientist for eHarmony.co.uk gives this explanation for the happy marriage findings. He says:

"Most couples will start off with very happy marriages.  But over time the stress of life can get in the way of maintaining that happiness.  Jobs, In-laws, bills, kids...all of these things can eat away at the quality of a marriage.  That is why it is so important that spouses stay connected and understanding each other.  Good communication is critical and if a couple fosters shared interests, common goals and values it can help both spouses understand each other better."

eHarmony.co.uk studied over 1240 people of whom 993 were married, 72 widowed, 30 separated and 145 were divorced. 

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