Money, the mother-in-law, which TV channel to watch... the possibilities for rows between husband and wife are endless.
But while an argument might clear the air it is likely to be bad for your health, according to medical researchers.
A
20-year study of married life found that couples who do not argue as
much are more likely to stay healthy and live longer than those who
regularly row.
And among the most common subjects causing the arguments that lead to bad health are finance and the in-laws, it revealed.
When it comes to the vows ‘in
sickness and in health’, it seems to depend on how much friction there
is in the marriage, said researchers from Brigham Young University in
Utah.
They followed
nearly 1,700 married adults over two decades, measuring both their
physical health and responses to regular surveys on arguments, happiness
and quality of life.
And
they found that the more they argued, the worse their general health,
suggesting that being happily married is a key to long life.
The men and women were simply asked to rate their health on a scale that ranged from poor to excellent.
Two of the topics for argument
mentioned in the survey are finances and in-laws, which could be rowing
over where to go for Christmas or having to put up with a nosy
mother-in-law.
The link
between happy marriages and health could be more to do with how it
encourages both sides to look after each other, researchers told the
Journal of Marriage and Family.
Happy
couples are more likely to cook and eat healthier meals together, for
instance, rather than see one half of the partnership storm off to the
pub or stay late at work eating junk food.
Less
stress means they sleep better and if they get on they will encourage
each other to ditch bad habits like smoking and to keep doctors
appointments for instance.
And when couples get on they do other things together, which could include sport or other beneficial outdoor activities.
Lead researcher Rick Miller suggested
that as the results show a link to happiness and health, going to
counselling could be reflected in health insurance discounts for married
couples.
He said: 'This study also shows happy marriages have a preventative component that keeps you in good health over the years.
'The implication is that marital conflict is a risk factor for poor health.
'Couples
that fight or argue frequently should get professional help to reduce
their conflict because it is affecting their health.'
He
added: 'When spouses have a bad day, in a happy marriage, they’re more
likely to support each other and empathise with each other.
'That support reduces stress and helps buffer against a decline in health.'
However, previous studies have linked unhappy marriages with depression,
anxiety, eating badly, smoking and not sleeping properly.
The stress of being in a bad relationship may also raise blood pressure and weaken the immune system.
Read more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2356292/Why-couples-DONT-argue-live-longer-Theyre-stressed-eat-better-likely-smoke.html#ixzz2YDUQzv4d
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