Why couples who DON'T argue live longer: They're less stressed, eat better and are less likely to smoke

Money, the mother-in-law, which TV channel to watch... the possibilities for rows between husband and wife are endless.
But while an argument might clear the air it is likely to be bad for your health, according to medical researchers.
A 20-year study of married life found that couples who do not argue as much are more likely to stay healthy and live longer than those who regularly row.
And among the most common subjects causing the arguments that lead to bad health are finance and the in-laws, it revealed.

While an argument might clear the air it is likely to be bad for your health. A 20-year study of married life found that couples who don't argue are more likely to stay healthy and live longer than those who do

When it comes to the vows ‘in sickness and in health’, it seems to depend on how much friction there is in the marriage, said researchers from Brigham Young University in Utah.
They followed nearly 1,700 married adults over two decades, measuring both their physical health and responses to regular surveys on arguments, happiness and quality of life.
And they found that the more they argued, the worse their general health, suggesting that being happily married is a key to long life.
The men and women were simply asked to rate their health on a scale that ranged from poor to excellent.

Two of the topics for argument mentioned in the survey are finances and in-laws, which could be rowing over where to go for Christmas or having to put up with a nosy mother-in-law.
The link between happy marriages and health could be more to do with how it encourages both sides to look after each other, researchers told the Journal of Marriage and Family.
Happy couples are more likely to cook and eat healthier meals together, for instance, rather than see one half of the partnership storm off to the pub or stay late at work eating junk food.
Less stress means they sleep better and if they get on they will encourage each other to ditch bad habits like smoking and to keep doctors appointments for instance.
And when couples get on they do other things together, which could include sport or other beneficial outdoor activities.

Happy couples are more likely to cook and eat healthier meals together, the researchers found

Lead researcher Rick Miller suggested that as the results show a link to happiness and health, going to counselling could be reflected in health insurance discounts for married couples.
He said: 'This study also shows happy marriages have a preventative component that keeps you in good health over the years.
'The implication is that marital conflict is a risk factor for poor health.
'Couples that fight or argue frequently should get professional help to reduce their conflict because it is affecting their health.'
He added: 'When spouses have a bad day, in a happy marriage, they’re more likely to support each other and empathise with each other.
'That support reduces stress and helps buffer against a decline in health.'
However, previous studies have linked unhappy marriages with depression, anxiety, eating badly, smoking and not sleeping properly.

The stress of being in a bad relationship may also raise blood pressure and weaken the immune system.

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