According to a recent survey of Americans aged 18 – 29, 30% say that having a successful marriage is one of the most important things in their lives.  That got me thinking—how would you define a successful marriage? 

Most people would probably automatically say that divorce equals an unsuccessful marriage.   But if a long term marriage eventually fizzles out and results in divorce, does that make it unsuccessful?  What about all those years before the divorce when the couple were happy and built a life together?   If a married couple spend decades of misery together but never divorce, would that be considered a successful marriage?  Is it just a question of sticking it out? 

How would you measure the success of a marriage?