Tom Leu "seeing things" … perspectives on music, marketing, & motivation

8 factors that may ruin your relationship

According to research recently published from the Australian National University, the following are some key factors that, if present, will greatly INCREASE a couple’s odds of getting divorced and/or breaking up:

1) Men who nine or more years older than their spouse.

2) Men who marry before the age of 25.

3) Couples who marry and have kids from previous relationships.

4) Women who want children MORE than their partner.

5) One or more of a couple’s parents have divorced or separated.

6) Partners who have been married more than once.

7) Couples who are poor or are financially challenged.

8) When one partner smokes and the other doesn’t.

So according to our esteemed researchers down-under, here’s the recipe for a successful, blissful, life-long relationship:

Marry only once when you are older (preferrably in your 30’s or beyond). Marry only if you and your spouse have no children from a previous relationship. Marry someone who is close in age to you. Only marry someone who smokes if you do too. Marry someone who wants or doesn’t want children as much as you do. Only marry someone whose parents have never divorced. Don’t get married (especially you guys) until you have some money and can provide a satisfactory lifestyle.

[or] the short version:

Only marry/get involved with: A similarly-aged, 30 or 40-something, never-been-married, kid-less, non-smoker who is financially secure and whose parents are Ward and June Cleaver.

Sounds like a tall order. Or a short order for singleness perhaps…

(The study titled, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” was jointly written by Dr Rebecca Kippen and Professor Bruce Chapman from The Australian National University, and Dr Peng Yu from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.)

©2009 Tom Leu