In a large sample of women with a 6% divorce rate, there are some key factors that can help us understand their unusually low rate of divorce. For example, when I asked them, “At what age or stage of life do you feel is the optimal time to get married and why?” this is how they responded…

How long should we wait until the “cocaine rush phase” of new love wears off and we can make a good decision about committing to a lifelong partner?

Some people see fighting as a sign of fundamental incompatibilities. They’re right. We’re all incompatible on some levels, and it’s delusional to think otherwise. It’s smart to have some good fights before you commit to marriage for a number of reasons.

In general, our intimate relationships cannot stay in the “cocaine-rush phase” of new love forever. But there are exceptions to the rule.