Dr. N.Udayakumar

The following factors are most predictive of a healthy marriage.

A. Growing up in an intact, functional family

B. Parents were a good marital model

C. Both parents functioned well psychologically

D. Atleast 21 yrs at the time of marriage

E. Marry for positive reasons to share your life and not driven by thoughts such as fear of loneliness, parental or peer pressure or to rescue someone.

F. Know your partner for atleast six months

G. Commonalities in terms of sociology, economic class, race, religion, education, common interests

H. Physical attraction with potential to develop an intimate relationship.

I. Discuss important life organization issues like, work, money, children, to live with parents of your spouse or separately and life goals.

J. Support of family and friends is essential building blocks in a healthy marriage.

K. Consider your spouse as respectful and trusting friend

L. Sharing important information about self, taking each other's opinion for significant decisions.

M. Marital bond of respect, trust, and intimacy grows stronger in first three years of marriage.

N. Wait for atleast two to three years before birth of a planned child.

O. Maintain positive, realistic personal and marital expectations.

If atleast 50% of the above is also implemented it will give both the spouses a lot of contentment and motivation to build a strong bond and improve each day.

By Dr. Sharmila majumdar, senior consultant sexologist, psychoanalyst

Avis hospital, clinic of sexual health, mental health. Hyderabad