Scientists Advise Men to Marry Young, Smart Women

by Alex A. Kecskes

Guys: If you want your relationship to last, marry a woman who is smarter than you and at least five years younger. So say social scientists in a recent study of couples who stayed together.

In a controversial new research study, scientists evaluated 1,000 couples who were either married or in serious relationships over five years. In searching for clues as to why they were still together, they found that neither should have been divorced in the past, the man should be five or more years older, and the woman should be more educated than the man.

The study, published in the European Journal of Operational Research, did not include such factors as love, physical attraction, or shared tastes, beliefs, attitudes and values. Instead, they focused on such objective factors as age, education and cultural origin.

For a generation of SWANS--Strong Women Achievers, No Spouse--this is good news. Nearly half of these single women have come to believe that their professional success is intimidating to the men they meet. Many are convinced that if you are well educated with an impressive job, and you have career aspirations or dream of future success, men will find you less attractive. These women feel that many high-achieving men don't like the competition; they believe today's men find smart, successful women a bit intimidating.

For an additional perspective, check out this video: