If you want the best shot at living a happy life, marry your best friend. A new study used data from the British Household Panel Survey and controlled for pre-marriage happiness levels to conclude that married people reported greater happiness and life satisfaction than those who are navigating life in the single lane. Being friends with your parter also proved hugely important to happiness in a partnership. Researchers found that marriage’s effects on well-being are two times greater for those who consider their spouse their best friend. Whether or not they were your BFF before you became romantic, it makes sense that having a spouse you can turn to for anything, and feel supported on both a friend and romantic level, can help you navigate any sticky situation in life. It’s something to think about before you walk down the aisle.
MORE: Study Shows You Should Marry Your Best Friend
