Although newlyweds are often optimistic about their future, their marriages may still face unique challenges.[1] For example, couples must navigate careers,3 family decisions,[2] finances,[3] and much more. So, what makes a marriage truly happy? In a recent study,[4] Matthew Saxey and his team examined how sleep, finances, and sex are related to marital happiness. What they discovered was eye-opening: these elements combine in unique ways to shape marital satisfaction, leading to four distinct relationship profiles—“Flounderers,” “Drowsy Budgeters,” “Financially Challenged Lovers,” and “Flourishers.” The four profiles revealed how these elements interact to shape couples’ relationships:
- Flounderers experience low levels across all three areas—financial management, sleep quality, and sexual satisfaction—leading to the lowest levels of marital satisfaction.
- Drowsy Budgeters struggle with poor sleep and sexual satisfaction but show strong financial management behaviors, suggesting that while finances are managed well, sleep and sex struggles may diminish overall happiness.
- Financially Challenged Lovers report average sleep quality, low financial management, but high sexual satisfaction, suggesting that intimacy may buffer other challenges, leading to greater marital satisfaction than expected.
- Flourishers exhibit high levels across all three areas—financial management, sleep quality, and sexual satisfaction—resulting in the highest marital satisfaction.
Therefore, this study [4] found that sleep quality, financial management behaviors,[5] and sexual satisfaction[6] are all positively associated with marital satisfaction. This means that couples who manage their finances well, enjoy healthy sleep, and experience satisfying sexual relationships are more likely to report higher levels of happiness in their marriages. The study [4] teaches us that these factors do not exist in isolation; they are interconnected and contribute collectively to the overall well-being of a relationship. Understanding the importance of these elements can help couples address potential challenges and create a stronger, more fulfilling marriage!
Takeaways
- Prioritize Sleep.
Prioritizing good sleep quality is paramount for overall well-being and marital satisfaction. The lack of sufficient sleep can have a significant impact on various aspects of life, potentially affecting the harmony in your relationship. To cultivate a thriving marriage, make sleep a priority and establish healthy bedtime routines. Consider creating a consistent bedtime ritual and crafting a conducive sleep environment to enhance the quality of your sleep. By doing so, you not only invest in your individual well-being but also contribute to the foundation of a strong and loving partnership. - Manage Finances Together.
To fortify the bonds of marriage, active engagement in financial management is essential. Open communication and joint decision-making on finances serve as pillars for a healthier relationship, potentially leading to higher marital satisfaction. Strengthen your financial foundation by setting goals together and engaging in regular discussions about your budget. This not only fosters financial harmony but also cultivates a shared vision for the future, laying the groundwork for a prosperous and satisfying marital journey. - Nurture Sexual Intimacy.
Unlocking the key to marital happiness involves recognizing the profound significance of sexual satisfaction. By investing time and effort in nurturing sexual intimacy and prioritizing both partners’ sexual experience, couples can positively influence overall satisfaction in the early stages of marriage. Prioritize this aspect by fostering emotional connections through activities like date nights or open communication about desires. - Tailored Support for Challenges.
For couples grappling with a combination of challenges such as poor sleep, financial struggles, and low sexual satisfaction, targeted interventions can be a beacon of hope. Seeking professional help, be it through marriage counseling or financial planning assistance, offers a tailored approach to address specific areas of struggle. By focusing on these challenges with expert guidance, couples can pave the way for improvement in poor sleep, financial difficulties, or low sexual satisfaction, ultimately leading to enhanced overall marital satisfaction.
References:
[1] Lavner, J. A., Karney, B. R., & Bradbury, T. N. (2013). Newlyweds’ optimistic forecasts of their marriage: For better or for worse? Journal of Family Psychology, 27(4), 531–540. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0033423
[2] Ranta, M., Dietrich, J., & Salmela-Aro, K. (2014). Career and romantic relationship goals and concerns during emerging adulthood. Emerging Adulthood, 2(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167696813515852
[3] Saxey, M. T., Leavitt, C. E., Dew, J. P., Yorgason, J. B., Holmes, E. K., & LeBaron-Black, A. B. (2021). The budget and the bedroom: Associations between financial management behaviors, perceptions of economic pressure, and sexual satisfaction. Journal of Financial Therapy, 12(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.4148/1944-9771.1266
[4]Saxey, M. T., Li, X., Wikle, J. S., Hill, E. J., LeBaron-Black, A. B., James, S. L., & Yorgason, J. B. (2022). Latent profiles of sleep quality, financial management behaviors, and sexual satisfaction in emerging adult newlywed couples and longitudinal connections with marital satisfaction. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 883352. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.883352
[5] Glenn, C., Caulfield, B., McCoy, M. A., Curtis, J. R., Gale, N., & Astle, N. (2019). An annotated bibliography of financial therapy research: 2010 to 2018. Journal of Financial Therapy, 10(1), 1–92. https://doi.org/10.4148/1944-9771.1218
[6] Fallis, E. E., Rehman, U. S., Woody, E. Z., & Purdon, C. (2016). The longitudinal association of relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships. Journal of Family Psychology, 30(6), 822–831. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000205