Americans Committed to Marriage

Record divorce rates over the last decade show little sign of undermining most Americans' love affair with marriage, according to a nationwide study of love and romance by American Consumer Opinion, a consumer online opinion panel operated by Decision Analyst.

A recent survey of 744 men and women, drawn from a balanced sample of the 3.5 million-strong American Consumer Opinion Online panel, found the vast majority of married respondents, regardless of gender, were happy they had tied the knot, happy with their choice of partner, and fully expect to stay married.

More than four-fifths (83.0%) of such respondents indicated they were 'married to the person you most want to be married to,' compared to just 10.5% who wished they had a different partner, and 6.6% who would prefer not to be married at all. In addition, a massive 94.6% of married people expect to be still married to their current spouse in five years.

Those who are married appeared in general far less interested in the 'outward' persona of a potential partner than did singles. They were little more than half as likely as singles to judge a person's looks as important, and also considered a sense of humour and a romantic spirit less essential than did the non-married. By contrast, the married rank thoughtfulness and a similarity of moral values much higher than do singles.

Yet even given the differences between married and single respondents' ideals for a partner, what is perhaps most striking is how highly 'traditional' values such as honesty, faithfulness and trustworthiness are sought after by both groups. Consider, by contrast, the importance given to the wealth of an individual -- for the married it is of little relevance, and for singles it seems barely to be given consideration.

For more on attitudes towards marriage, visit www.ab.acop.com

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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