90 Women Share One Simple Pic That Proves They Married Well

40% to 50% of first marriages end in divorce. That’s according to data from the Pew Research Center. Interestingly, divorce is actually on the decline. But then again, so is marriage.

“Four-in-ten divorces occur in the first decade of marriage; nearly a quarter occur after 25 years,” notes the site. “There is a lot of variation in how long marriages that end in divorce last, but many end in the first decade.”

But despite all this, many people are choosing to get back on the proverbial horse. Data reveals that about two-thirds of Americans who have divorced have gone on to remarry. 

If marriage is somewhat of a gamble nowadays, how do you know you’ve found “the one”?

According to Dr. John Gottman, who has over 50 years of research under his belt, “lasting love isn’t about finding someone perfect—it’s about finding someone perfectly suited to grow alongside you.”

Gottman says that we can be compatible with several people but that doesn’t mean the relationship will necessarily last. He explains that compatibility is something you build together through conscious choices, shared experiences, and mutual commitment to growth.

“The one” is the person you choose to build a life with, day after day, reveals the expert: “It’s the person you turn toward instead of away from during conflicts. It’s the person whose hand you reach for during both celebrations and sorrows.”

Gottman believes there are certain proven signs that will tell you you’re with the person you’re meant to share your life with forever. “The couples who thrive together share specific patterns of connection, communication, and commitment that we can actually measure and recognize,” reveals the expert.

The first sign that you’ve found marriage material is that you enjoy spending time together. But that doesn’t necessarily mean red, hot passion. 

“True connection doesn’t always feel like fireworks,” Gottman says. “Often, it feels like coming home. You know you’ve found something special when being together feels as natural as breathing—when you can sit in comfortable silence, when your partner’s presence soothes your nervous system rather than activating it.”

Another sign the two of you are meant to be is if you have open communication and are able to be vulnerable with each other. Yes, there may still be disagreements. But difficult conversations won't feel like walking through a minefield. If you feel like you can share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with your person and not be scared of their reaction, you might just have found "the one."

Conflicts should feel like problems to solve together rather than battles to win. And when you do disagree, you do so productively. 

"Most problems in a relationship will not be solved- in fact 69% of relationship problems are perpetual," the expert explains. "This means that successful couples learn to navigate these issues even while disagreeing. Learning to communicate through conflict productively is a cornerstone of a healthy relationship."

Another green flag is when your values and goals align. That doesn't mean you both like the same food, or have the same favorite color. But rather that you align on what matters most, like family, career, spirituality, money, and life priorities.

"This alignment becomes especially clear when you discuss the future," reveals Gottman. "You both want similar things—whether that’s children, career ambitions, lifestyle choices, or how you want to spend your golden years." He adds that these conversations should feel natural and not like a negotiation or compromise that leaves one person feeling unheard.

The best couples not only support each others dreams and growth, but also bring out the best in each other. You should always like who you are when you're in a relationship. And if your person brings out the best version of you, you might have hit the jackpot.

Maybe you're generous, more caring, more patient, more adventurous, or generally happier. Whatever it is, your partner has created a safe space for your best qualities to flourish. They're the yin to your yang... The peanut butter to your jelly.