Married couples enjoyed both a honeymoon period of the first year or two after the wedding as well as being supported against stress from work pressure and looking after children or aging parents.
Shawn Grover, a researcher with The National Bureau of Economic Research in Canada said
'There's a lot of stress going on in middle age,'Having someone to talk that out with and having someone to support you in those difficult times can help explain why it's a bit harder for people without a partner.'Those who saw their partner as their 'best friend' reported the highest happiness levels.