The First Year of Marriage Is the Hardest

Turns out the "Honeymoon Period" in marriage is a myth. You're going to be instantly miserable for a while. A new study out of Deakin University in Australia found that the first year of marriage is actually the hardest.

People report the lowest levels of happiness in their first year of marriage, an average of 74 on a scale of one to 100. By year two, that goes up to 78.4. And after 40 years, it's up to 80.

As hard as the first year is, it still makes people happier than staying single. People who were never married average a 72 out of 100 in happiness, which is two points lower than people in their first year of marriage.

People who are separated or divorced reported the lowest levels of happiness, an average of 69 out of 100.

Why is the first year of marriage so hard? The researchers say it may be like a wedding hangover. Quote, "After the big day, all couples are left with are the photos, a pile of bills, and the realization you just made that huge life decision."