"For most people, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith were the ultimate power couple-building a $400 million empire and a family dynasty over two decades. Yet, they recently revealed that they had been living completely separate lives for seven years while remaining legally married. Why stay together? As they navigated the complexity of their bond, it became clear that their marriage was more than just a romance; it was a profound financial, social, and psychological contract."
"Their story illustrates a truth that behavioural scientists know well: marriage is not a Disney movie ending. It is one of the most complex "big life decisions" you will ever make. In fact, my research confirms that for most people, marriage is one of the three biggest decisions of their entire lives, ranking right alongside having a child and buying a home."
"Despite the cultural pressure to pair up, fewer people are committing. In the U.S., the annual marriage rate has dropped by roughly 25% since 2000, falling from 8.2 to historic lows of just 6.1 new marriages per 1,000 people. This hesitation suggests that many are pondering a very rational, un-romantic question: Is it actually worth it? The answer isn't a simple yes or no."
Marriage tends to raise overall life satisfaction more than moment-to-moment happiness, with much of the effect attributable to greater financial stability and higher combined incomes. A supportive partnership can lower risks of heart disease and cognitive decline by acting as a biological buffer. Many couples treat marriage as a multifaceted contract that encompasses financial, social, and psychological responsibilities. Marriage rates have declined, reflecting growing scrutiny of its costs and benefits. The net value of marriage varies by individual circumstances: it can improve wealth, health, and cognitive wellbeing, but it does not automatically produce constant daily joy.
Read at Psychology Today
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