Are 2Nd Marriages Happier? Exploring Love After Loss And Divorce

Is happiness influenced by the experience of a second marriage? Research suggests that individuals who choose to cohabit after the dissolution of a previous marriage tend to experience an upswing in life satisfaction for approximately eight years. Meanwhile, those who embark on a second marriage often enjoy a decade of increasing happiness. However, for first-time married couples, the initial year of marriage does not typically yield a noticeable improvement in happiness and may even see a decline. This pattern was observed in a study conducted on March 22, 2017, shedding light on how marital experiences can impact overall well-being over time.

“According to relationship expert Coleman, one of the key reasons why second marriages tend to be more successful is due to a crucial shift in expectations and experience. He notes that many couples in their first marriages often struggle because they approach marriage with lofty expectations but lack the experiential wisdom to navigate the complexities of a committed partnership. However, when individuals embark on their second marriages, they tend to adopt a more realistic perspective. They have learned from their previous experiences that marriage alone cannot magically solve all issues, and as a result, they enter these unions with a more mature and balanced understanding of what they truly desire in a relationship. This newfound wisdom and adjustment in outlook contribute significantly to the increased success rates observed in second marriages.”

Navigating the role of a second wife can be quite challenging, primarily due to the emotional baggage carried over from the previous marriage. When entering into a relationship with someone who has been previously married, you may find yourself contending with their lingering emotions, which can include feelings of guilt, shame, regret, anger, and sadness. This emotional baggage can create complexities in your relationship, impacting not only your partner but also your own emotional well-being. Understanding and addressing these emotions is essential for building a healthy and thriving second marriage. (Published: July 1, 2021)