Why you should get married and stay married

By Dr. David Mabry
​Encompass Executive Director

Marriage is a cornerstone of many cultures and societies, and it's no surprise why. Across North America, research continues to show that marriage is one of the most powerful decisions you can make for your health, happiness, and even financial well-being. While it's not the only path to a fulfilling life, there’s something unique about marriage that other types of relationships can’t quite match. If you're wondering whether marriage is worth it or if it's just an old tradition, here’s why you should get married—and stay married. ​

The Emotional Benefits of Marriage 

When it comes to emotional well-being, married couples tend to report higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and stability than their single or cohabiting peers. Married people often feel more supported, less stressed, and less likely to suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 

Why is this? One major factor is the emotional support that comes from having a spouse. In marriage, partners provide each other with comfort, encouragement, and a sense of belonging—things that are harder to come by when you’re not in a committed relationship. Studies consistently show that the emotional connection shared by married couples helps to buffer life’s stresses, making it easier to handle challenges like job stress, family pressures, or personal setbacks. 

Furthermore, married couples tend to communicate better. They have a built-in support system that helps them resolve conflicts, express feelings, and grow together emotionally. This emotional intimacy is linked to lower rates of loneliness and higher levels of satisfaction in life, compared to those who are unmarried. 

Healthier Bodies and Longer Lives 

It might surprise you to know that marriage is actually good for your physical health. Research has consistently found that married people tend to live longer, healthier lives than single individuals. One major reason for this is the support system that comes with marriage. Married individuals have a spouse to encourage them to get regular check-ups, exercise, eat well, and avoid risky behaviors like smoking or excessive drinking. 

Marriage has been linked to lower rates of chronic illness, better management of health conditions, and a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and even early death. One large study found that married people had a 28% lower risk of death over a 10-year period compared to their unmarried counterparts. This “marriage advantage” in health outcomes has been seen across both men and women, with married couples benefiting from healthier behaviors and mutual care. 

In addition, married individuals tend to have faster recoveries when faced with illness or surgery. Having someone to care for you during a health crisis is not only comforting—it can help you heal faster. In fact, some studies suggest that married people are more likely to survive major surgeries, like heart bypasses or organ transplants, compared to those who are unmarried. 

Financial Stability and Growth 

Marriage can also be a financial game-changer. Studies show that married couples tend to have higher household incomes and greater financial stability than single people or cohabiting couples. One reason for this is that marriage often brings two incomes into the home, allowing for more financial flexibility and less economic strain.
 
Married couples also tend to accumulate more wealth over time. They have the benefit of shared resources, which allows them to save more, buy homes, invest in retirement, and build wealth together. Furthermore, married couples are less likely to experience poverty. According to recent data, families headed by married couples earn nearly double the income of single-parent households, and they are far less likely to live below the poverty line. 

Marriage is also a foundation for wealth-building. When both partners pool their incomes, they can make financial decisions together that benefit the household. It’s easier to budget, save for long-term goals, and share financial responsibilities, which can make a big difference in building security for the future. 

Stronger Communities 

Marriage doesn’t just benefit individuals—it helps strengthen communities as well. Married couples tend to be more involved in their communities and are more likely to vote, volunteer, and contribute to local causes. This civic engagement benefits everyone, as married individuals often work together to support their neighbors, churches, schools, and local organizations. 

Furthermore, stable marriages have a positive effect on the next generation. Children raised in stable, married households tend to have better outcomes academically, socially, and emotionally. They are more likely to succeed in school, avoid criminal behavior, and grow up with healthy relationships of their own. This creates a positive cycle, as the next generation learns the importance of commitment, responsibility, and working together to overcome challenges. 

When we support and promote marriage, we also contribute to a stronger society. Communities with more married families tend to have lower crime rates, better educational outcomes, and less social unrest. Stable families, supported by healthy marriages, create a foundation of trust, security, and opportunity for all members of society. 

The Power of Commitment 

While marriage certainly has its ups and downs, the commitment it involves is one of its greatest strengths. In today’s world, where quick fixes and temporary relationships can feel more common, the decision to marry and stay married reflects a deep commitment to one another. This commitment gives married couples a unique ability to weather life’s storms together—whether it’s financial hardship, illness, or personal struggles. 

Marriage isn’t just about love--it’s about partnership, support, and growth. It’s about choosing to invest in one another over the long term. Couples who stay married build a shared life, with shared goals and experiences that can be incredibly rewarding. Marriage is a choice to stand by each other, no matter what challenges life throws your way. 

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever 

In a world that increasingly values independence, marriage can sometimes be seen as optional or even outdated. But the research shows that the benefits of marriage—emotionally, physically, financially, and socially—are as strong as ever. Marriage provides stability, support, and opportunities that are hard to replicate in other types of relationships. 

At Encompass, we believe in the power of strong, healthy marriages. We know that marriage isn’t always easy, but the rewards are undeniable. If you’re married, take time to nurture your relationship and strengthen your commitment. If you’re not married yet, consider the many benefits that come with choosing to commit to a lifelong partnership. 

Marriage is one of the best decisions you can make for your well-being, your family, and your community. When you get married—and stay married--you’re not just building a future together. You’re building a better, stronger life. ​

Further Reading & Resources on Marriage 
If you want to learn more about the benefits of marriage and the evidence behind this blog, these resources are a great place to start: 

1. Pew Research Center – Marriage and Happiness 
   Surveys and analysis showing how married couples report higher life satisfaction, emotional well-being, and overall happiness compared to cohabiting or single adults. 
   https://www.pewresearch.org 
   
2. U.S. Census Bureau – Families and Living ArrangementsCurrent data on household income, family structures, and marriage trends in the United States.
   https://www.census.gov/topics/families.html  
3. Statistics Canada – Families and Households 
   Information on Canadian marriage rates, household income, and family outcomes. 
   https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/subjects-start/families 
   
4. Institute for Family Studies 
   Research and reports on marriage, family stability, and child development in North America. 
   https://ifstudies.org
   
5. Scientific Reports – “Marriage and Mortality Risk: Evidence Across North America” (2023) 
   A study showing that married individuals tend to live longer and enjoy better physical health than unmarried adults. 
   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-36139-8 
   
6. Journal of Health and Social Behavior – Mental Health and Marriage 
   Studies exploring how marriage lowers stress and reduces risks of depression and anxiety. 
   https://journals.sagepub.com/page/hsb/collections/marriage-relationships-health
   
7. Michael Rocque et al. – Marriage and Crime Reduction 
   Research demonstrating that married adults are less likely to engage in criminal behavior, contributing to safer communities. 
   https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0022427814547113
   
8. Brookings Institution – Marriage and Economic Stability 
   Reports highlighting how marriage can increase household income, wealth accumulation, and financial security. 
   https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-marriage-gap-the-impact-of-economic-and-technological-change-on-marriage-rates/ 
   
9. The Hope and a Future Report – Family Structure Index (2025)
   Insights into marriage trends, single-parent households, and child outcomes in North America. 
   https://www.hopeandafuture.com/family-structure-index 
   
10. Encyclopedia of Marriage and the Family (2020 Edition) 
    A comprehensive resource summarizing research on marriage, health, and social benefits. 
    https://www.abc-clio.com/products/detailed-view.aspx?titleid=2149​