Why women's happiness drops in long marriages, according to Esther Perel
Women's relationship happiness drops in long marriages partly because unequal household duties drain their autonomy.
Psychotherapist Esther Perel points to a gender satisfaction gap. Women report lower happiness than men in long-term relationships.
Studies show women handle up to 30 household tasks between 5pm and 11pm, including ensuring their partner carried out his. Men handle five to ten.
Women's tiredness leaves little room for desire. Perel explains that love thrives on consistency and safety.
But desire needs fun and freedom. The tension between these needs is built in.
- 17,000 people
- HILDA study participants
- up to 30
- Women's evening household tasks
- 5 to 10
- Men's evening household tasks
- 24-year mark
- Satisfaction bottoms out at
Why it mattersIt explains why many long-married couples feel stuck despite commitment. The imbalance in household responsibility contributes to the gap.
AustraliaAustralian couples experience the same satisfaction gaps documented in the HILDA study of 17,000 Australians, particularly women managing two jobs, paid and domestic.
