We all have an idea of what the perfect relationship looks like and we’ll bet that at the top of that list you think that it comprises of zero arguments. A blissed out life, lived in perfect harmony. Well, you’d be wrong. Because new research from One4all has discovered that 76% of British adults believe that to have a healthy, happy marriage couples should in fact argue and argue often.
To be precise, the majority of people surveyed believed that an average of 3.9 arguments per month is the ideal amount to contribute to a “happy ever after”.
‘Traditionally, arguing may have been considered unhealthy but actually many Britons now recognise the important role of expressing your feelings – both positive and negative – in relationships,’ explains Aoife Davey, group-marketing manager at One4all Gift cards.
‘Just make sure that tempers are kept in check, you are respectful and that you are doing the more positive essential components regularly, too.’
While arguing might be the surprising secret to a successful marriage, it will be less surprising that going on dates and having sex are also key to achieving happiness within marriage.
Respondents revealed that couples should have sex 8.35 times a month, go on 3.8 dates, and compliment each other around 14.98 times.
However, across the country adults had varying views over how often these things should take place. Adults from Belfast had more fiery expectations of marriage, believing that couples should have sex 10.26 and argue 5.48 times per month, compared to the more romantic expectations of Sheffield residents who propose sex 9.62 times and 5.08 dates per month.
Contrastingly, Manchester adults valued deeper connections; they recommend that in order to have a healthy relationship couples should talk meaningfully about themselves 17.81 times a month and pay compliments to each other 16.17 times.
So in short? Don’t be afraid to argue, talk more and pay plenty of compliments. Phew.
