While no one wants their marriage to fail, did you know that there are actually quantifiable reasons for staying with your spouse? In case you need help deciding whether to stay married or not, here are the facts:

#1 Married people are happier

In recent studies, scientists founds that married couples suffer from less depression than their unmarried counterparts. And this even takes into consideration those couples that are living together and not married. Being in a committed relationship with each other is not enough, but showing that commitment to friends, family, and the wedding DJ seems to make the bond all the more important.

#2 Married couples are more productive

While the case could be made that two people can always get more done than one, married couples seem to enjoy exploring their interests more than singles and unmarried couples. Maybe it’s because you’ve set up long term goals and thinking that guides you through the day to day, or maybe it could be because you’re both challenging each other to be better – in either case, married couples just seem to get more done.

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Getting engaged is an exciting moment in your life. If you’re ready to take the plunge, follow this guide for an engagement that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Know Her Answer.

This may sound like an odd tip, but you’d be surprise at how many couples haven’t discussed the topic of marriage prior to getting engaged. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you have even a doubt in your mind, then sit down and talk with your girlfriend before rushing out to buy the ring. If you’ve had serious discussions about your relationship and where it’s headed, then you probably already know that her answer will be ‘yes’.

Ring Shopping.

Before you start shopping, find out what she likes. If she doesn’t care about being surprised, then you could even take her out to pick out the ring with you. Otherwise, ask her friends and family and pay attention to her likes and dislikes.

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You proposed and she said yes! Now that you’re officially engaged, the chaos begins. This planning a preparation time often makes you feel as if you want to elope or better yet, ship your fiance off to the funny farm. You can survive this crazy engagement with a little bit of patience and a little bit of romance. Yes, I said romance. At times, it may be the last thing on your mind, but a little extra love and romance during this time will strengthen your relationship and make it even stronger for the future. Read through these 10 tips to help you keep the romance alive during your engagement.

Take Pictures — Lots of them!

Your fiance is so busy during this time that she’s often not thinking about enjoying the planning process itself. This is where you come in by taking pictures throughout the engagement and wedding planning process. Snap photos at any event that she won’t be present at (your bachelor party, tux fittings, etc). Keep the camera at hand and snap photos anytime you see an opportune moment, such as her and her bridesmaids putting together favors or her and her mom addressing the invitations. After the wedding, put it all together in a photo album or scrapbook for her.

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1. Rent a horse and carriage and take her for a romantic ride. Propose the old fashioned way on bended knee before getting into the carriage and riding away together. One of our clients did this in Richmond Park in London.

2. Cook and set an elaborate candlelight table (or get a professional caterer to deliver) for a quiet romantic dinner for two at home. Serve her a glass of champagne with the diamond ring in the bottom or ribboned to the stem.

3. Arrange a romantic weekend away. After a perfect day of relaxing and pampering for her - surprise her with the ring and proposal.

4. Create a treasure hunt for her on her birthday or other special occasion so that she is not necessarily expecting a proposal. Create clues that lead her to uncover one-by-one treasured memories of photos or past presents from your time together so far. The last clue should lead her to the ring box and a simple “Will you marry me” note.

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Many men are convinced that if they just find the right woman then everything will be perfect in their marriage. They either think that they are fine as they are or they think that they don’t have to change or don’t want to.

They want their wives to accept them for who they are.

Okay. Let’s take a look at who you are.

How did you prior relationships or marriages fair? If you are a widower and the reason you are looking for a new spouse is because your wonderful spouse died — you may be right – you may be a great husband and father.

For the rest of you, and I am including myself in this group, take a look at all of your relationships that failed. What is the common denominator in all those relationships? Give up?

YOU. That’s right. You are the common denominator in all your failed relationships.

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