If you're living with your significant other, don't worry too much about tying the knot, because it won't make you any happier, according to a new study. The study followed 2,737 single men and women for six years, watching as 896 of them either got married or moved in with a lover, Science Daily reports. The results? Both married couples and cohabitators exhibited higher levels of happiness and fewer depression symptoms than single people—but married couples didn't have an advantage over those just cohabitating.
"While married couples experienced health gains—likely linked to the formal benefits of marriage such as shared health care plans—cohabiting couples experienced greater gains in happiness and self-esteem," the study's lead author said. "America continues to value marriage above other family forms. However, our research shows that marriage is by no means unique in promoting well-being." Jezebel's take-away? "Go ahead and live in sin! Science says it's okay." (More marriage stories.)
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