Whether married or cohabiting with a partner, the vast majority of couples in the UK are happy in their relationship. Initial findings from a research project 'Understanding Society' show that around 90% of individuals who are living with a partner are happy with their relationship.

 

Researchers at the Institute for Social and Economic Research have found that the happiest couples appear to be those in which both are educated to degree level, have no children, have been together for less than five years and the man is employed.

 

The study also showed that after taking into account a variety of factors, including age, gender, number of children, relationship duration, employment status and education married people are happier than their cohabiting counterparts.