Originally published: 29 April 2013
According to a report by the Marriage Foundation, 45% of first marriages end in divorce, while only 31% of second marriages fail.
'Findings suggest that husbands are more happy the second time round'
The findings also suggest that husbands are more happy the second time around.
Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that couples tying the knot for the second time benefit from wisdom and age, as well as being more cautious before entering into the supposed life-long commitment.
Harry Benson from the Marriage Foundation, said:
'Overall, second marriages do better because couples who get married for the second time are invariably older than those marrying for the first time.'
'Couples on their second marriage are more likely to stay together as they benefit from the experiences of the past'
“Couples on their second marriage are more likely to stay together as they benefit from the experiences of the past.”
He also explained that second marriages often have less pressure, such as children and household chores, which can put a strain on younger marriages, adding:
“One possibility is that higher age is a proxy for higher income. Higher income acts as a buffer against some of the everyday difficulties faced by most couples.
“Another possibility is that higher age means there are fewer young children from prior relationships.
“And fewer second marriages for men are subject to the social and family pressures that lead into some first marriages. Hence men tend to do better second time round.”
'Higher age means there are fewer young children from prior relationships'
Benson concluded:
“The good news is that couples wishing to marry second time round no longer need to be put off by doom-laden statistics. Second marriages generally do OK.”
However relationship expert Dr Pam Spur, believes that second marriages can come with their own problems, when children from previous marriages are involved.
Relate counsellor Paula Hall also argued that second marriages may in fact have more money troubles, due to costly divorce settlements.
But she did add:
“People in second marriages seem to have more insight and self-awareness. Having gone through divorce and separation, there can be more motivation to work through problems and save the marriage.”