Newcastle in the top 10 Most Happily Married Cities in the UK!

A nationwide study of British couples who have been married for longer than 10 years reveals that 41 per cent of Newcastle residents have an EXTREMELY happy union.

The study, commissioned by jewellers, Beaverbrooks also revealed a list of hints and tips from couples who had been happily married for more than 10 years on how to maintain wedded bliss, with knowing when to apologise and always being reliable coming joint first at 46 per cent.

Also, on the list of secrets of a fabulous marriage were never going to the loo in front of each other, however long you have been married, accepting your in-laws' flaws and being politically aligned.

According to the study being diplomatic is important, with 42 per cent saying learning to 'agree to disagree' is key. And sustaining physical affection is also vital, with 42 per cent claiming married couples should always kiss goodbye, and 41 percent believing kissing regularly is the secret to a happy union.

Also, on the list was really listening to your partner (38 per cent), never having secrets (34 per cent), and - the classic - never going to sleep on an argument (26 per cent).

For a fifth of British married couples, owning more than one TV is key to conjugal happiness.

Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: "From proposals to wedding days, for 100 years we've helped create happy memories for married couples all over the nation. That's why, to celebrate our centenary, we wanted to reveal exactly what constitutes a truly happy marriage. Although many traditions have changed over the last 100 years, some things will always stay the same when it comes to building a loving relationship. Whether it's saying 'I love you' every day, or always finding time for your significant other it seems there are a few key pointers that will help keep marriages happy and content for partners all over the UK."

The study of 2,000 couples found that overall, 48 per cent of the couples polled said that they enjoyed spending time with their spouse more than anyone else, and four in 10 said they viewed themselves as a team first and foremost.

When asked what the biggest challenges were to married life, at number one (with 34 per cent) was financial difficulties, followed by worries about children (28 per cent) and work pressures (27 per cent).

A quarter reported that one of the biggest hurdles was carving out enough quality time together, while 20 per cent said it was their partner getting on their nerves.

Despite 45 per cent of married British couples having considered splitting up at least once, a whopping 94 per cent admit their life would be empty without their other half.

TOP TEN CITIES WITH THE HAPPIEST MARRIAGES
1.Liverpool - 48 per cent
2.Nottingham - 47 per cent
3.Plymouth - 44 per cent
4.Cardiff - 43 per cent
5.London - 43 per cent
6.Sheffield - 42 per cent
7.Stoke on Trent - 42 per cent
8.Leeds - 41 per cent
9.Newcastle 41 per cent
10.Oxford - 41 per cent