How important is marriage to Texans?

According to a 2008 Baseline Report of Marriage and Divorce:

• 90% of survey respondents report that having a healthy happy marriage is one of the most important things in life.
• 89% of those surveyed agree that marriage is a lifelong commitment that should only be broken under extreme conditions.

• Texans ARE willing to participate in marital or relationship education.
  
  View the full Baseline Report

2004 Texas Marriage Facts:

• 178,511 marriages
• 81,324 divorces

• Out of the 81,324 divorces, there were 62,380 children affected as a result.
  
  More Information On Texas Marriage

What is a healthy marriage?

According to the Administration for Children and Families, healthy marriage can be defined as:

• Both partners participate in the definition of the relationship.
• There is a strong marital bond characterized by levels of both closeness and autonomy.
• The spouses are interested in each other’s thoughts and feelings.
• The expression of feelings is encouraged.
• The inevitable conflicts that do occur do not escalate or lead to despair.
• Problem-solving skills are well developed.
• Most basic values are shared.
• The ability to deal with change and stress is well developed.

More Information On What Makes A Healthy Marriage