Confident beginning paves way for happy marriage

Couples who were more confident when starting their marriage were more likely to spend time together, thereby showing more satisfaction in their relationship three years later, a new study showed. The study, published recently in the journal Family Process, used a community-based sample of 610 newly married heterosexual couples to examine the relationship between marital confidence, time spent together, and marital satisfaction over about three years. It showed that those who were most confident at the outset of matrimony were still showing their happiness by sticking together as a couple long after the honeymoon was over. "These couples were spending time together, dining out, taking part in activities together, sharing meaningful conversation and physical expressions of affection," said co-author Matthew Johnson, a researcher in romantic relationships in University of Alberta, Canada. "Those who are more confident in getting married are willing to invest in their relationships," Johnson added. Johnson suggested that couples about to tie the knot should not ignore any nagging doubts about getting married, as it would make a difference in their future marriage. "It is tempting to push those concerns down and just go with the flow," he said, "but couples need to remember, the doubts you are having are there for a reason and dealing with them will be beneficial." Premarital counselling is a good opportunity for couples to talk openly and honestly about their concerns, and about their confidence in being able to meet future challenges, Johnson said.