Here’s the key to a long and happy marriage – don’t expect too much.
That’s the word from psychologists who say it’s better to aim low when you begin life with a spouse.
That way you won’t be disappointed when your high expectations fall short and you begin to have more problems, they explain.
Shrinks from Ohio State University and the University of Florida studied the relationship habits of 82 couples in their first months of wedded bliss and followed up every six months for four years.
They concluded that the secret to keeping that newlywed glow appears to be forgiveness and communication.
The study found that a husband or wife is more likely to keep a positive outlook on marriage by simply shrugging off their partner’s negative traits.
But those with high expectations were likely to be brought down to earth quickly.
Entering a marriage starry-eyed, unaware of its strengths and weaknesses, is no advantage, James McNulty, a psychology professor at Ohio State, told KMBC-TV in Kansas City.
“It may make you happy in the short run to think your spouse is better than he or she actually is,” McNulty warned, “but if the reality doesn’t match the image, eventually your satisfaction is going to decline.”
The study is published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.