Be happily married
Have a fulfilling, lasting marriage
Marriage satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of overall life happiness.
Have a committed relationship
Be in a stable, committed partnership
Commitment provides the psychological safety needed for true intimacy.
Have emotional intimacy
Share deep emotional connection with a partner
Emotional intimacy—the ability to share your inner world with another person—is the foundation of deep connection.
Be a good spouse/partner
Excel at being a supportive, loving partner
Being a good partner is a skill that can be developed, not just a trait you have or lack.
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Based on Chulef, Read & Walsh (2001) · Last reviewed February 2026
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