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Researchers from the University of Chicago in the US have found that couples that stuck it out, were as happy five years later as those that got divorced, according to a Reuters report.
Learning to be happy
The researchers surveyed a subset of 5 232 married adults in the 1980's and again five years later. Couples that stayed together and found happiness, reported that the causes of conflict within the marriage, such as money or infidelity, had faded over time.
Other couples enlisted the help of counsellors, family or friends to help them learn to get along better, while others found ways to be happy individually, in spite of a mediocre marriage, the report says.
Divorce overrated
Divorce often creates situations over which an individual has no control, the report says, such as affecting children and family. The uncertainty of singlehood and starting new relationships is also stressful.
"Staying married is not just for the children's' sake. Some divorce is necessary, but results like these suggest the benefits of divorce have been oversold," lead author of the study sociologist Linda Waite from the University of Chicago said in the report. - Health24
Read more about marriage, relationships and divorce:
Stay married and live longer
Are you heading for divorce?
Do's and don’ts when you get divorced
Joint custody better for kids of divorce
