A US study has found a bad marriage can damage your health as much as smoking and drinking – and men come off worse than women.
The researchers at the universities of Nevada and Michigan looked at 373 straight couples over 16 years to see whether disagreeing about issues – such as children, money and in-laws (there’s the kicker) – had an impact on their health.
Couples who disagreed more often reported worse health – and for men, the more topics of disagreement with their spouse, the worse their health.
It goes against the long-held belief that married people live longer and healthier lives.
Conflict bad for your health
So why would this be the case?
The researchers says it’s what couples do for each other throughout a marriage that is good for health – so if you’re arguing over whose turn it is to put the rubbish out, you’re in trouble.
Previous studies have also shown conflict in relationships can lead to inflammation, changes in appetite and the increased release of stress hormones (no kidding), which can affect everything from the heart to the immune system.
Interestingly, couples who agreed with each other more had better health early on in their relationship – but this protective effect wore off later on (the real honeymoon effect?)
Lesson learned – men, just admit you’re always in the wrong.
