How to Revive a Zombie Marriage

(NEWSER) - The end of a marriage means the end of good health for many people, a new study finds. Researchers discovered that people who lost a spouse, whether through divorce or death, were roughly 20% more likely to suffer chronic health problems even if they later remarried, HealthDay reports. The scientists believe the stress of loss causes lasting physical and emotional damage. More»

Also: Half of first marriages end in divorce

(NEWSER) - Living together before getting hitched no longer spells doom for married couples, says a new government study. In the late '60s, a mere 10% of American couples shared a place before marriage, and their divorce rates were higher, writes AP . Now, around 60% of couples move in together before tying the knot, and if they get engaged, their divorce rate is comparable to couples who didn't live together first. "It's becoming so common, it's not surprising it no longer negatively affects marital stability," says an expert at Bowling Green. More»

Lawyers see rise in social networks as evidence

(NEWSER) - Couples cite Facebook in one out of five US divorces, say Loyola University researchers —and 81% of divorce lawyers report a rise in cases using social networks as evidence, ZDNet reports. For cases that do make use of online evidence, Facebook is by far the biggest source, according to 66% of attorneys in a recent survey. As for the network's relationship-busting role, “we’re coming across it more and more,” says a psychologist. More»

Partnerships simplify breakups, avoid religious ties

(NEWSER) - In France, civil unions are soaring in popularity—for heterosexuals. PACS, as they are known in France, were established in 1999 and lauded by gay-rights advocates; little did they expect the huge success of the measure ... among straight people, who made up 95% of the civil unions created last year. There are now two civil unions for every three marriages in the country, the New York Times reports. Couples cite a variety of reasons for the choice, which provides most of marriage's legal benefits. More»

Pair redefine president-first lady relationship

(NEWSER) - Like no other couple before them, Barack and Michelle Obama have made their romance a central feature of his presidency—even his inauguration night seemed like a wedding, the new first lady dressed in white, the couple dancing to a love song. Their marriage is the subject of a 7,500-word piece by New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor , who explored their relationship—and their shared history—in Washington and Chicago. "What I value most about my marriage," says the president, "is that it is separate and apart from a lot of the silliness of Washington." More»