Marriage is not a magic formula for happiness. Its success depends very much on what both partners are prepared to put into it. But some marriages may be more stressed than others just because one or both partners had negative reasons for getting married in the first place. They saw the relationship as an escape from a difficult situation.

A young girl with strict parents, for instance, may see marriage as a way to gain freedom and independence. Once married, she may then find that the continuous adaptation to another person’s needs within a marriage is even more irksome than parental restrictions.

Some people marry simply for security. They lack confidence in many areas ad see their partner as a strong person, providing constant emotional support. Trouble arises when the partner in turn looks to them for support in a crisis. They become frightened and panic, and the relationship may founder.

Again, those with low self-esteem may marry the first person who comes along, not because they have a lot in common but because they are afraid no one else will show any interest in them. As they mature and gain in confidence they may feel trapped by the person who at first seemed to offer a solution.