A nationwide study of married couples has revealed a staggering 83 percent of couples from Belfast have a ‘happy marriage’, with 52 percent of those describing their union as extremely happy.
The study, commissioned by family-owned jewellers, Beaverbrooks to celebrate its 100-year anniversary, found that loved-up Belfast couples also spent 23 hours a week of quality time together.
And couples from Belfast are vocal about their affection, with 30 percent claiming to tell their spouse they love them every single day, and a whopping 91 percent confessing they were as happy, or more happy with marriage than when they first tied the knot.
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 percent.
Also on the list of secrets of a fabulous marriage were saying ‘I love you’ regularly (50 percent), knowing when to apologise (43 percent) and always finding time for each other (43 percent).
Also on the list was really listening to your partner (36 percent), never having secrets (36 percent), and – the classic – never going to sleep on an argument (21 percent).
For a staggering 43 percent 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 helped create happy memories for married couples in Belfast – which is where the 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 said.
The study found that 57 percent of the Belfast couples polled said that they enjoyed spending time with their spouse more than anyone else, and 26 percent said they viewed themselves as a team first and foremost.
Financial worries came top for worries (with 61 percent), followed by concerns about children (39 percent).
More than one in ten reported that one of the biggest hurdles was carving out enough quality time together, while 26 percent said it was their partner getting on their nerves.
Despite over half (52 percent) of Belfast couples having considered splitting up at least once, a whopping 91 percent admit their life would be empty without their other half.
The study also explored what wedding traditions are seen as most important, with getting married in a church (48 percent) and having bridesmaids coming joint first (48 percent).
A total of 35 percent still liked the idea of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding, and 35 percent said having a best man was a must.
And 33 percent think a big white dress is still an important tradition, 26 percent 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 visitwww.beaverbrooks.co.uk/uk-happiest-married-couple before Tuesday 30 July and explain in 100 words or less why they deserve the coveted title.
Secrets of a happy marriage, according to Belfast couples
Share a sense of humour – 57 percent
Never take each other for granted – 57 percent
Always kiss goodbye – 57 percent
Be reliable – 50 percent
Forget the bad, remember the good – 50 percent
Say ‘I love you’ regularly – 50 percent
Know that your friendship is the most important thing – 50 percent
Find time for each other – 43 percent
Know when to apologise – 43 percent
Kiss regularly – 43 percent
Own more than one TV – 43 percent
Always share a bed – 43 percent
Always tell the truth, even if it will hurt – 37 percent
Really listen to each other – 36 percent
Complement each other regularly – 36 percent
Never have secrets – 36 percent
Share the household burden – 29 percent
Share special experiences – 29 percent
Take regular mini-breaks together – 29 percent
Learn to agree to disagree – 29 percent
Have a joint bank account – 21 percent
Never go to sleep on an argument – 21 percent
Have in jokes – 21 percent
Tell your partner they are attractive – 21 percent
Let them choose the take-away – 21 percent
Watch Netflix together – 21 percent
Know who wears the trousers – 21 percent
Be financially independent – 21 percent
Don’t keep your mobile password a secret – 21 percent
Have an annual long-haul holiday together – 21 percent
Have at least two children – 21 percent
Hold hands in public – 14 percent
Never go to the loo in front of each other – 14 percent
Keep in good shape for each other – 14 percent
Never disagree in front of your children – 14 percent
Like (or pretend to like) their parent – 14 percent
Have regular date nights – 14 percent
Have a pet – 7 percent
Never get jealous – 7 percent
Garden together – 7 percent
Have separate hobbies – 7 percent
Choose your battles – 7 percent