What Keeps a Marriage Going?

What Keeps a Marriage Going? (McNall & McNall, 1992)

Listed in order of frequency, the following are the top reasons respondents gave:

           Men

My spouse is my best friend.

I like my spouse as a person.

Marriage is a long term commitment.

Marriage is sacred.

We agree on aims and goals.

My spouse has grown more interesting.

I want the relationship to succeed.

An enduring marriage is important to social stability.

We laugh together.

I am proud of my spouse’s achievements.

We agree on a philosophy of life.

We agree about our sex life.

We agree on how and how often to show affection.

I confide in my spouse.

We share outside hobbies and interests.

Women

My spouse is my best friend.

I like my spouse as a person.

Marriage is a long term commitment.

Marriage is sacred.

We agree on aims and goals.

My spouse has grown more interesting.

I want the relationship to succeed.

We laugh together.

We agree on a philosophy of life.

We agree on how and how often to show affection.

An enduring marriage is important to social stability.

We have a stimulating exchange of ideas.

We discuss things calmly.

We agree about our sex life.

I am proud of my spouse’s achievements.

Source: Lauer and Lauer, 1985: 24.

Reference

McNall, S. G., & McNall, S. A. (1992). Sociology. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.