Relationship Advice: 10 Traits of Miserable Couples

                              

If you’ve been trying to figure out the components of a winning relationship, you aren’t alone! Researchers, philosophers, and lovers throughout time have been seeking the secret formula.

In an effort to help you identify what to look for in a relationship, we’ve compiled 10 problems that often pop up and cause major problems. Also included are a number of recent studies that you can read for more information.
On a mobile device? Feel free to flip through the slideshow and then scroll down the page for more details:

You’re BoredThe journal Psychological Science published a study that revealed couples who engaged in interesting activities (both together and apart) were much happier than those who were bored.

You Fight a Lot, But Never Did in the Beginning of Your RelationshipIf you find yourself fighting a lot, you may want to examine the history of your relationships. A Florida State study discovered that those who fought during the first year or two, yet were able to work out their differences, tend to be happy as the years progress.

Your Relationship Is Full of JealousyThis shouldn’t come as a surprise, but where jealous or indifference reins so does relationship failure. A study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that celebrating your partner’s achievements leads to much higher levels of relationship satisfaction.

You Never Have SexStatistics show  that if you can increase your sexual activity from once per month to once per week, your enjoyment of life and your relationship will increase exponentially.

You’re StraightA 5,000 person study at the Open University of Britain found that gay couples tend to be happier and more connected.This doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed if you’re straight, but it does point to the importance of shared interests and open communication.

Have Lots of Divorced or Unhappily Married FriendsAccording to a Brown University study, you are 75 percent more likely to divorce if you have a friend who is divorced.

You’re Both Sleep DeficientIf you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be setting  yourself up for failure. A University of Arizona study, conducted in 2009, discovered that men feel much better about their relationships when they get enough sleep. Women also reported a correlations between lack of sleep and problems.

Beautiful Woman with Hot ManHave you ever wondered why so many hot women marry less-attractive men? Interestingly enough, a recent study revealed good looking women do better with men who are considered less attractive. However, the statistics didn’t look so hot when a good looking man considered himself to be better looking than his spouse.

Rushed into Sex and the RelationshipA Cornell University study suggests that rushing into a relationship doesn’t do most couples many favors. Researchers found a positive correlation between waiting a month to have sex and long-term relationship success.