Couples with similar drinking habits report greater marital satisfaction. A recent study featured in The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Series found that couples who drink together experience a notable decrease in negative marital quality over time, with this effect being particularly pronounced among wives.
Before jumping to conclusions about the study promoting excessive drinking, let’s delve deeper into its implications for relationships. The research surveyed 4,864 married individuals across 2,767 couples from 2006 to 2016, asking about their drinking frequency and quantity, as well as their marriage quality. Participants responded to questions like whether they found their spouse overly critical or if they could count on them for support.
The findings revealed that couples who either both drank or both abstained from alcohol reported higher levels of marital happiness. In contrast, wives who drank while their husbands did not often reported feeling less satisfied. One of the researchers suggested that if one partner decides to cut back on drinking, it might be beneficial for the other to consider doing the same.
This isn’t exactly groundbreaking news. It’s wise to choose a partner who shares your lifestyle preferences. If you’re a teetotaler who disapproves of drinking, a relationship with someone who enjoys it could lead to tension. Interestingly, around twenty percent of men and six percent of women in the study were identified as problem drinkers, which represents a different dynamic altogether. While enjoying alcohol in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle, those with negative experiences related to drinking should definitely think twice about overlooking these differences in a partner.
The reverse holds true as well: if you love unwinding with a glass of wine, pairing up with someone who feels the same can enhance your relationship, instead of facing eye rolls every time you suggest sharing a bottle.
Dr. Emily Carter from the University of Michigan explained to Reuters, “We’re not sure why this is happening, but it could be that couples engaging in shared leisure activities tend to have better marital quality.” It seems simple enough—so why not pop open a bottle of your favorite wine and toast to a happy and lasting relationship?
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Summary
Research indicates that couples who drink together often experience higher marital satisfaction. This study highlights the importance of shared lifestyles in relationships, particularly regarding alcohol consumption. Couples who align in their drinking habits are generally happier, while mismatched preferences can lead to dissatisfaction.