Confetti
HAPPY EVER AFTER?
Married couples are at their happiest two years, 11 months and eight days after walking down the aisle, it emerged yesterday (Tues).
Researchers asked 4,000 husbands and wives to pinpoint their happiness in eleven different aspects of married life and calculated the typical stage when everything falls into place.
Just under three years emerged as the point when couples feel completely comfortable with each other's bad habits and have a plan for their future.
At this stage they will also enjoy a full and active sex life, will have carried out enough DIY for their house to feel homely and will still find time for romantic meals together.
Yesterday (Tues), Carol Richardson, from the country's leading wedding website www.confetti.co.uk, which carried out the research, said: ''Our research has revealed the exact moment into married life British couples are most content.
''Three years after walking down the aisle and everything seems to come together - making each other laugh the most and cuddle up in front of the TV.
''They'll also spend the longest amount of quality time together each evening and make small gestures like offering to cook dinner and help with the washing up.
''But there's no reason why you can't have a long and happy marriage if you stick to the guidelines our study also revealed.
''We're found the secret to the happiest time together isn't about big, expensive and lavish gifts but being there for each other to share special moments.''
The study of 4,000 married adults found they enjoy their best sex, romantic meals and nights out with mates partying after two years and four months.
Wives are likely to receive a respectable number of flowers, chocolates and compliments two-and-a-half years down the line.
Men helping with household chores like hoovering and cooking peaks just before the their third anniversary, while big arguments will be a distant memory three months later.
Weekends away tend to drop away after three years and four months as couples swap the countryside for the sofa.
And the maximum amount of 'me time' - watching footy on TV, drinking with mates in the pub or shopping with girlfriends is enjoyed after three years and five months.
Couples were also asked to rate their level of happiness from one to 10, and those who gave their relationship the full marks say 'I love you' to each other and have a warm embrace at least once a day.
A husband must compliment his wife for her cooking or comment on how beautiful she looks twice a day and not forget to say 'thank you' for their hard work around the house.
It is also important for couples to enjoy 75 minutes doing their own thing - from playing computer games or watching footy to soaking in the bath or slumping in front of the TV glued to soaps.
Researchers also discovered the husband and wife who will stay true to their 'til death us do part' vow will spend 24 minutes a day having a heart-to-heart each evening and never go to bed after a falling out.
To keep the spark alive the poll found that the perfect couple should have five cuddles a day and spend three nights curled up on the sofa a week watching films or simply chatting.
They will also keep in regular touch while sat at their desk at work - phoning, texting or emailing four times a day to ensure their other half is okay.
The husband should spend two hours a day helping the children with homework or playing games and the weekly food shop should be a joint effort.
While women said a man who offers to make breakfast in bed, gets home in time for dinner and reads the kids a bedtime story, will also ensure a blissful liaison.
Encouragingly, three quarters said they were married to the husband or wife of their dreams.
TOP 10 THINGS TO LEAD TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE
* Enjoy 1 hour and 15 minutes 'me time' each day
* Saying 'thank you' for helping out with household chores
* One country walk together a month
* Partner offering to make a cup of tea once a day
* Spend 24 minutes having a heart-to-heart a day before bed
* Kiss and make up following any arguments before falling asleep
* Five cuddles and at least one 'I love you' a day
* Four texts, calls or emails whilst at work a day
* Three nights curled up on the sofa together a week
* Husband compliments their wife twice a day
