5 Reasons Why Marriage is so Important

With so much discussion around the new no fault divorce laws coming into use recently, there has been plenty to say on couples more easily going their separate ways. However, there has been less said about the benefits of marriage and how being and staying married can have a positive impact on your life. We look at the top five reasons why marriage is still considered so important by many.

1. Marriage can provide long-term financial security

Although a big or lavish wedding may cost you on the day, once a couple has tied the knot, they are often better off over time. An example of this is if the couple were to separate, then their assets would be shared jointly, while non-married partners who separate keep what is theirs legally, which in some cases can feel unfair on a low-income partner. Married couples can also get a Marriage Allowance which means you can transfer some of your personal tax allowance to your spouse (£1,260) which reduces your tax bill by around £238.

2. Marriage makes you healthier  

 

Being married is often said to improve the length of time you live. Or rather, not being married puts you at a statistically greater risk – according to research. As reported in Harvard Health Publishing, people who are married don’t take as many risks and have a better diet than those who have not tied the knot. The report also highlighted that people who are married are more inclined to keep doctor’s appointments and take the advice of a medical professional more readily.

3. Marriage can keep your mental health on track  

As well as the physical benefits, marriage also has the capability to improve your mental health with fewer married couples reporting depression, and misuse of alcohol and drugs. Having the security and knowledge that you have a partner by your side to help you stay on a good path and be there when things get tough can therefore contribute to an overall positive mental health state.

4. Marriage teaches you to share responsibilities

Being married can make you feel like you are part of a team, enjoying good times and dealing with life’s hurdles together, in equal measure. Many successful marriages see couples sharing responsibilities in the house, when it comes to children, finances or looking after elderly parents in a way that allows them to play to their own unique strengths. Being married means that you have to share things – good and bad. For those that have not been used to that being married can help develop the ability to share, and have an appreciation of someone else’s needs.

5. Marriage offers lifelong companionship

Marrying for love means that you are committing to a lift-long companionship with your spouse who will be there through the good times and the bad. This means you can feel more stable financially, emotionally and when life gets tough, you know your other half will be there for you, as you will be there for them. Many believe that successful marriages, although usually born out of love to begin with, eventually turn into companionship – something that takes time to develop but providing you with a deeper level of both friendship and trust.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why marriage can have the reverse effect of these five positive motives for marriage. Being a relationship where there is disrespect, abuse or infidelity does not equate to happy matrimony. However, on the whole, marriage offers the potential for not just one but several benefits to spouses across the board.