Marriage Is Healthy

Marriage is Healthy

Marriage is an institution that can produce great rewards. When the love struck groom-to-be got down on one knee and looked up lovingly into the face of the intended bride, a bet can be made that being married and living "healthfully" ever after was not even a consideration. It has been proven that love helps promote a healthy immune system. Being single, however, does not mean that there is more risk of illness. Many single people go through life being completely satisfied and reaping no ill effects. It has been said on numerous talk shows and stated in many magazine articles that marriage, overall, instigates a more satisfying relationship. Stephanie Coontz (2005) noticed, "In the 18th century, people began to adopt the radical new idea that love should be the most fundamental reason for marriage, and that young people should be free to choose their marriage partners on that basis. The sentimentalization of the love-based marriage in the 19th century and its sexualization in the 20th each represented a logical step in the evolution of that new approach." (pp. B7-B10). Marriage is not the end of all ills, but a good marriage has been proven to show a marked decrease in blood pressure and other bodily ailments.

A marriage, in general, should incorporate communication, trust, bonding and companionship. These are all elements that develop over time to solidify the relationship, and also help to create a healthier