HANGZHOU—A research team of the CMIC conducted a survey on marital satisfaction among respondents between 20 to 49 years old in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xi'an, Taiyuan and Nanning. By utilizing both online and in-person methods, the team established various channels to obtain samples including the clients of Darry Ring.

The results show that the marital satisfaction among urban families in China is above average. On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being very dissatisfied and 5 being very satisfied), 70% of respondents answered with 3.5 and above. The average score for men is 3.95, which is higher than the score for women (3.64). In addition, the level of satisfaction gradually decreases as age increases among people aged 20 to 49. People aged 40 to 49 show the lowest level of satisfaction.

Generally speaking, traditional marriage values still overpowers modern practices, but the latter is gradually gaining ground. This survey also found that when the income of men is higher or equal to their spouses’, the level of satisfaction is higher. When it comes to family authority and household chores, the female counterpart usually feels more satisfied when responsibilities are equally allocated.

More than 90% of urban couples in China revealed that they have made the commitment to a lifelong union while 70% have experienced a formal marriage proposal. These people, especially those aged below 30 report a significantly higher happiness level.

Communication and romantic gestures are important ways to keeping a marriage fresh. Among the respondents, more than 75% of them express love several times throughout the year. This means Chinese people nowadays are more willing to show their love and care than their parents, which has helped to boost marital satisfaction. Overall, the higher the frequency of romantic gestures, the happier the couple is. However, intimacy sometimes needs rationality as well. 60% of couple that are rational on both sides deal with marital conflicts reasonably which explains their contentment.

To sum up, marriage is one of the most vital choices and experiences in one’s life. It remains a main approach to fulfill one’s needs for intimacy, trust, and self-esteem. It is safe to say that compatibility and equality are the foundations of a happy marriage.