Similarity and Satisfaction in Newlywed Relationships

The purpose of this study was to explore how newlywed couples, married less than two years, perceive similarity to influence their relationship satisfaction. Individuals\u27 perceptions of change in the importance of similarity at different relationship stages were also examined. Twenty individuals from 10 couples participated in the study. Results revealed four main categories which individuals discussed as important to their relationships. These categories included reasons for marrying, similarity, differences, and relationship satisfaction. Results illustrated that individuals\u27 reason for marrying were later reasons for feeling satisfied with their marriage. Most newlyweds perceived similarity to be more important in marriage than earlier relationship stages. All newlyweds in this study believe similarity to influence satisfaction in their marriages