To Have, to Hold, to Cherish and Annoy

Spouses get more irritating as time goes by, study says
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 6, 2008 9:45 AM CST
To Have, to Hold, to Cherish and Annoy
A University of Michigan has found that married couples tend to view each other as more irritating and demanding the longer they are together.   (KRT Photos)

As people age, their relationships with other people gradually become smoother except in one area—their marriages, a new study has found. Researchers discovered that the longer two people are married, the more likely they are to find each other irritating and demanding. It's completely normal—and could even be a sign of a healthy relationship, LiveScience reports.

"As we age and become more comfortable with one another, we're more able to express ourselves to each other," explained a researcher. The study quizzed adults of all ages about their relationships with spouses, family, and friends. The spousal relationship was rated the most negative in all age groups, although the older age groups, apparently more adept at avoiding confrontation, reported less conflict. (More marriage stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X