A survey of over 5,ooo adults found that gay couples without kids have happier relationships than their straight counterparts.
The Enduring Love? survey was funded by the U.K.’s Economic and Social Research council, and showed not only that childless couples of all orientations in England were happier than those with kids. Same-sex couples, it turns out, are the happiest of all. Via the L.A. Times:
“Non-heterosexual participants are more positive about and happier with the quality of their relationship…than heterosexual participants,” according to the survey, which later added: “Heterosexual parents are the least likely to be there for each other, to make ‘couple time,’ to say ‘I love you’ to each other, to talk about everything and to pursue shared interests.”
The survey also found that simple gestures of affection were more effective than grand romantic ones in strengthening the bonds of relationships.
According to co-author of the report Dr. Jacqui Gabb:
How about we take this to the next level?
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“Actions really do speak louder than words and many people consider a loving gesture to be as valuable as hearing ‘I love you’. Grand romantic gestures, although appreciated, don’t nurture a relationship as much as bringing your partner a cup of tea in bed, or watching TV together.”
In other words, that over the top wedding proposal complete with flashmob and camera crew you were planning isn’t as necessary as you think it is.
Perhaps there will be a U.S. version of this study soon, but until then we will look to the childless LGB couples of the U.K. as our relationship role models. Remember this story next time that lingering notion of having children comes up again.
Scribe38
Emailing this to my dad and telling him to stop asking me about adoption.
Horse Lips
They needed to do a study to figure this out?
Doris Fontaine
just as Henry explained I am taken by surprise that a student able to profit $9357 in four weeks on the computer. did you read this webpage… http://gg.gg/z5yu
Elloreigh
The survey respondents were 80% women and 60% persons with a child in their household.
In other words, the sample demographics are more than a little skewed.
corey
No survey needed for which type of folks will not end up being 50% divorced rate. Gays will show the way….
CarrieV
Can we stop using the term “childless” and instead use “child-free” when we are without children by choice?
Childless implies we want, but can’t have, children. Child-free fits much better for those of us who’ve chosen to not replicate.
alterego1980
@CarrieV: Would you prefer the term DINK (Dual Income No Kids)? 🙂
Dakotahgeo
Interesting survey.