Fact check: What are the most common factors that contribute to a long-lasting marriage?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses from various sources ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]} suggest that there are several key factors that contribute to a long-lasting marriage. These factors include commitment, having a protective spouse, shared church attendance, and frequent date nights ^[1], as well as being best friends, accepting each other's imperfections, showing love and respect, and maintaining a healthy sex life ^[3]. Additionally, growing and thriving together, sharing new experiences, having a deep emotional connection, not judging one another, being vulnerable, having fun, resolving conflicts compassionately, and being each other's best friends are also important ^[4]. Some sources also highlight the importance of avoiding destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse ^[3]. Furthermore, research suggests that marriage is linked to optimal aging in men, but not in women, with married men being twice as likely to age optimally compared to single men ^{[5] [6] [7]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original statement does not provide a comprehensive overview of the factors that contribute to a long-lasting marriage, as it does not account for the differences in factors that are important for men and women ^{[5] [6] [7]}. Additionally, some sources suggest that there are specific traits and behaviors that can contribute to a successful marriage, such as the six defining traits shared by relationship expert Christina Eller ^[2]. However, these traits are not explicitly stated in the original statement. Alternative viewpoints on the importance of marriage for optimal health and well-being in men and women are also presented, with some sources emphasizing the importance of understanding sex-specific differences in aging ^{[5] [6] [7]}. Relationship experts, such as Christina Eller, may benefit from highlighting these factors and traits in their advice to couples ^[2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be considered incomplete, as it does not provide a thorough overview of the factors that contribute to a long-lasting marriage ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}. Additionally, the statement does not account for the differences in factors that are important for men and women, which may be considered a bias ^{[5] [6] [7]}. Some sources may be considered more reliable than others, such as those that provide specific details about the factors that contribute to a successful marriage ^{[1] [4]}. Authors of these sources, such as those from the Institute for Family Studies and the Wheatley Institute, may be considered more credible than others ^[1].