Australian Study: Opposites Might Attract but They Don't Stick

A new study from Australian National University tracked the relationships and characteristics of nearly 2500 couples, from 2001 to 2007, and found that differences in age, desire for children, work, alcohol and smoking all lead to higher rates of divorce.

Another interesting fact from the study is that unemployment and or perceived financial stress of the husband, but not the wife, also played a role in divorce. I could speculate a bit on this. Men often feel an extreme amount of stress due to having the role of provider. This is true even though patterns of female employment outside the home has changed. A man, even though he seems capable of working and providing, needs to know that the family struggle is understood and that his efforts are appreciated by his partner.

No doubt there are some problems with the study. This study suggests that religion and value systems matter less than things like drinking habits and spousal age differences.

In reality, I'm still one who thinks that most any relationship can survive as long as there is open, honest communication and mutual respect (forgiveness, deference, affection, fidelity).