Reseacher's Findings On 7 Secrets To A Happy Relationship

One of the largest studies of relationships ever has finally reported its findings. Conducted over a two-year period that encompassed 5,000 people of all relationship statuses, ages and sexual orientation, the research, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, reveals some pretty interesting keys to keeping your relationship happy.

Read and Learn:

1. Don't have kids: Once you're married the questions about when you're going to have a baby start. It's as if it's just the mandatory next step in this whole thing called life, and any mother will tell you it's the greatest thing in the entire world. However, couples that have chosen not to have kids feel most "satisfied" overall, and more valued by their partner. Although the study did find that the most miserable of the group are women who don't have a partner or child, and the happiest of everyone are mothers, this is about happiness in relationships.

2. Say "thank you": It might seem really insignificant, but when you thank someone, whether it's your partner or someone else, you're showing your appreciation. People like to feel appreciated. If you take two people with great manners and who make each other feel appreciated, you're looking at a relationship full of bliss.

3. Give compliments: People like to know that they look good or have a talent for something. Complimenting people makes you feel good, and gives them an ego boost. Happy people make for happy relationships.

4. Have some experience: The study found that those who had already done the long-term serious relationship thing were actually better at their next relationship. We learn from our past mistakes and bring it with us to our new experiences — how can that not be a recipe for greatness?

5. Don't be a middle-aged man, but do be a woman 34-years-old or younger: According to the study, the happiest men in relationships were those who were either younger or older; those guys in the middle weren't as cheery about their relationships. As for ladies, society doesn't make aging easy, so if you're under 34 now, make mental notes as to what makes you happy about your relationship and carry it with you into your later years.

6. Be in a same-sex relationship: Apparently, straight couples don't like to put in as much as work as gay couples, which leads to both components feeling less positive about their relationship. It was also found that straight couples are least likely to say, "I love you."

7. If you have kids, don't get married: Lastly, it was found that unmarried parents are a little bit happier than those who tie the knot. Just because you have a child with someone doesn't mean you have to walk down the aisle! Do what's right for you, and right for the happiness of your relationship, not what people tell you is "right."

What do you think are the secrets of a happy relationship? 
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