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How much time do you spend with your significant other? Well a new study has found that loved-up Belfast couples spend 23 hours a week of quality time together!

A massive 83% of married couples in Belfast say they are happy, with 52% of those describing their union as EXTREMELY happy.

The study commissioned by Beaverbrooks jewellers, has found what makes for a happy marriage according to Belfast couples.

Top three tips

Coming in at a joint 57%

Never take each other for granted

Share a sense of humor

Always kiss goodbye

Other top tips for wedded bliss

Joint at 50%

say 'I love you' regularly

be reliable

forget the bad, remember the good

know your friendship is the most important thing

Joint at 43%

know when to apologise

always find time for each other

own more than one TV

kiss regularly

always share a bed

37% say

always tell the truth even if it will hurt

Joint at 36%

never have secrets

listen to your partner

compliment each other regularly

Joint at 29%

share the household burden

share special experiences

take mini-breaks together

learn to agree to disagree

Joint at 21%

have a joint bank account

never to go to sleep on an argument

have in jokes

tell your partner they are attractive

let them choose the take-away

watch Netflix together

know who wears the trousers

be financially independent

don't keep phone password a secret

have an annual long- haul holiday together

have at least two children

Joint at 14%

hold hands in public

never use the loo in front of each other

keep in good shape for each other

never disagree in front of the kids

like or pretend to like the in-laws

have regular date nights

Joint at 7%

have a pet

never get jealous

garden together

have separate hobbies

choose your battles

And Belfast couples are very vocal about their affection, with 30% claiming to tell their spouse they love them every day, and a massive 91% confessing they were as happy, or more happy, with marriage than when they first tied the knot.

The study also found that 57% said they enjoyed spending time with their spouse more than anyone else, and 26% said they viewed themselves as a team first and foremost.

Despite 52% couples having considered splitting up at least once, 91% admit their life would be empty without their other half.

Biggest challenges to a marriage?

61% - financial worries

39% - worries about children

26% - partner getting on their nerves

10% - finding time to spend together

The study also explored what wedding traditions are seen as most important.

Getting married in a church and having bridesmaids came in joint first at 48%. While 35% of couples agreed that the groom should not see the bride before the wedding and having a best man is a must.

And 33% think a big white dress is still an important tradition, 26% like having a ring to propose, and 22% think a wedding bouquet is a custom worth keeping.

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