A massive 83 per cent of couples from Belfast have a ‘happy marriage’, with over half saying they are ‘extremely happy.’
That’s according to a nationwide study of couples commissioned by family-owned jewellers, Beaverbrooks to celebrate its 100-year anniversary.
It found that loved-up Belfast couples also spent 23 hours a week of quality time together.
A total of 30 per cent of Belfast couples say they tell their spouse they love them every single day. And a whopping 91 per cent say they were as or more happy with marriage than when they first tied the knot.
The study also explored what wedding traditions are seen as most important, with getting married in a church (48 per cent) and having bridesmaids coming joint first (48 per cent).
The research also revealed a list of hints and tips from Belfast couples who had been happily married for more than ten years, on how to maintain wedded bliss, with never taking each-other for granted, sharing a sense of humour and always kissing goodbye coming joint top, with 57 per cent.
Also on the list of secrets of a fabulous marriage were saying ‘I love you’ regularly (50 per cent), knowing when to apologise (43 per cent) and always finding time for each other (43 per cent).
Also on the list was really listening to your partner (36 per cent), never having secrets (36 per cent), and – the classic – never going to sleep on an argument (21 per cent).
For a staggering 43 per cent of Belfast married couples, owning more than one TV is key to conjugal happiness, and one in ten believe it’s important to have similar political views.
Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said they have been helping to create happy memories for married couples in Belfast – which is where their first ever store opened.
“That’s why, to celebrate our centenary, we wanted to reveal exactly what constitutes a truly happy marriage.
“Although many traditions have changed over the last 100 years, some things will always stay the same when it comes to building a loving relationship.
“Whether it’s saying ‘I love you’ every day, or always finding time for your significant other – it seems there are a few key pointers that will help keep marriages happy and content for partners in Belfast,” she added.
The study found that 57 per cent of the Belfast couples polled said that they enjoyed spending time with their spouse more than anyone else, and 26 per cent said they viewed themselves as a team first and foremost.
When asked what the biggest challenges were for Belfast marriages, financial worries came top (with 61 per cent), followed by worries about children (39 per cent).
More than one in ten reported that one of the biggest hurdles was carving out enough quality time together, while 26 per cent said it was their partner getting on their nerves.
Despite over half (52 per cent) of Belfast couples having considered splitting up at least once, a whopping 91 per cent admit their life would be empty without their other half.
A total of 35 percent still liked the idea of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding, and 35 per cent said having a best man was a must. Thirty three per cent think a big white dress is still an important tradition, 26 per cent like having a ring to propose, and 22 percent think a wedding bouquet is a custom worth keeping.
To celebrate the results, Beaverbrooks is searching for Belfast’s happiest married couple to receive £1,000 worth of jewellery and become the face of the brand’s 100-year campaign. Partners who think they might have what it takes to be crowned Belfast’s happiest married couple, should visit www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/uk-happiest-married-couple before Tuesday 30 July and explain in 100 words or less why they deserve the coveted title.