Is Your Marriage Good for Your Health?

Most of the research that has been conducted on the health of married couples v/s that of single individuals has generally proven that the married couples end up living happier and more fruitful lives; and this is perhaps what gives them more longetivity as well.

But then again, even the flip side could be true. Like they say, there are exceptions to every rule.  If you are in a troubled marriage, it could end up taking a toll on your health, instead of enhancing it. Trouble in a marriage would indicate that you are combating chronic stress and this entire negative aura around you could end up taking a toll on your cardiovascular and hormonal health; as well as affect your immune system and your well being on the whole.

Unfortunately sometimes the unhealthy eating patterns of a partner can get passed on to you. To find out what kind of a marriage you are in, take this quiz.

Pick out a pen and paper; and choose among the options a, b and c. Write down your answers on a piece of paper, so that you can evaluate your marriage at the end of this quiz.

1)  Since the time you began sharing a bed with your better half, have you:

a)    Been sleeping like a baby with his/her arms wrapped up around you.

b)   Been sleeping alright, but prefer the couch or the guest room because he/she is quite the mover and roller in bed.

c)  Been having some serious trouble with falling asleep.

2)  How have your exercise habits been ever since you tied the knot with your sweetheart?

a)    You’ve ended up with a better workout routine, because he/she is also the type of person who enjoys a good sport and a challenging workout routine.

b)   You end up exercising as much as you used to when you were not attached.

c)    Your entire life has a sluggish overtone now; and you do not go exercising anymore because you lack the motivation to go to the gym alone.

3)  When you and your honey have a fight or an argument, which one of these options would best suit what behavior follows?

a)    You sit down with your partner and rationalize the situation.

b)   You might say mean things once in a while; however, this doesn’t last for long and you guys kiss and make up.

c)    You often end up saying very nasty things to each other and call each other names; and you haven’t known a fight to end before the run of an entire week.

4)  Ever since you’ve moved in with this permanent roomie, you’ve been:

a)    Eating extremely healthy meals together. He/she is a great cook.

b)   Changing your eating habits; and not all these changes may be healthy, but you’re not binge eating.

c)    Eating a little more than what you would eat earlier; and this is generally the case, because he/she is a serial binge-eater.

5)  Which of these will best describe your state of mind, when it comes to your marriage?

a)    You are extremely satisfied with the state of your marriage. You guys are in a happy, healthy relationship and are constantly communicating and supporting each other.

b)   You feel satisfied up to an extent, but you end up taking care of your own emotional wellbeing, since your partner generally isn’t there for you when you need him/her to be around.

c)    You are often grappling with being sad or low; and this feeling gets enhanced by the presence of your spouse. Your mood often is dependent on the way he is feeling; and you’re at the mercy of his whims and fancies.

6)  Are you turning into a passive smoker owing to the smoke emitting from your husband’s or wife’s cigarettes?

a)    No, he/she is not a smoker. Neither of us have such habits.

b)   Occasionally, but this is generally limited to the time of parties or social gatherings.

c)    He/she regularly smokes and this is taking a toll on your health and you’re trying to get him/her to quit.

Mostly A’s:

If you answered most A’s, it would mean that you’re in a healthy relationship. You and your partner are dealing with a healthy lifestyle and you generally end up treating each other with mutual respect.  This is the most positive aspect of your relationship and this would mean that you will continue to remain healthier and happier for life.

Mostly B’s:

If your answer sheet was dominated by B’s, it would mean that your relationship is like a pendulum which swings back and forth between being in a healthy place and then sometimes in a harmful-to-your-health mode. Do not get distracted from what can be good for your body or your overall health. Treat each other with respect at all times; and sometimes, you’ll just have to compromise. All said and done, you’re not single anymore; and good communication should help you in resolving most of your differences.

Mostly C’s:

If you ended up answering most of your questions with a C, then you need to immediately upgrade the health of your relationship.  You are in a relationship which is taking an absolute toll on your health, as well as on your emotional wellbeing.  The good thing is, it’s never too late to start taking charge of your life. Start with small changes; and it could lead to both of you ending up in a loving and secure marriage.

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