A study from University of Chicago researchers found that when it comes to good marriages, the health and attitude of the husband plays a major role in marriage bliss. They looked at 953 heterosexual couples and found that women whose husbands were described as having high levels of positivity were were less likely to report conflict in their relationship.
What was interesting, was that women’s positivity levels had no impact on the relationship.Women reported more conflict if the husband was in poor health, but once again, it didn’t matter if it was the other way around. So yes, women can be miserable and still have a good marriage. But a grumpy husband hurt the marriage.
Unsurprisingly, men who described themselves as neurotic, had wives who complained about marriage quality.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com