Personally, I am happier being married. Of course, some of that happiness is because I was FINALLY 'allowed' to marry the man I love. More to the point, I am content. It's cliche, but I got my 'happily ever after.'

i'd say it depends upon the human being in question I live with my best friend but we have separate flats in teh same building, I cook and sometimes clean for him and he looks after out finances and does the thinking and research about what to buy etc. we see each other at least twice a day so we have time alone and time together it works nicely.

According to a study by data analyst Mintel, 61 per cent of single women are happy being single, versus 49 per cent of single men.

The survey also found that 75 per cent of single women have not actively looked for a relationship in the last year, compared to 65 per cent of single men.

And the proposed reason for this is that for women, being in a heterosexual relationship is actually a lot of hard work, and generally requires more effort and labour than for men.

“There’s evidence that women spend longer on domestic tasks than men and I think they also do more emotional work - so they still do more housework and cooking and things as well as more emotional labour,” Professor Emily Grundy, of the University of Essex

[independent.co.uk]

Living with your best friend, someone who has always got your back has huge benefits, living with your worst enemy on the other hand is sheer hell. I've known people with long and happy marriages (30 years+) and that is hard to beat, but not all marriages are like that and marriage itself is not for everyone.

I was happy in and I'm happy out. It"s all attitude.

I agree with what others have said: it depends on the marriage. I think if you can manage to get along, enjoy each others company, and live life in the same way (shared likes, hobbies, daily timetable, etc) then you have a shot at being happy. But if, over time, you grow apart and no longer enjoy similar things or find yourselves living different lifestyles or constantly arguing, you may become adversaries, and then it's time to move on.

We are responsible for our own happiness. We can allow others to add to it or take away from it. It's our choice.

Leave the word married out and use having a bond with someone would be more appropiate I should think

I'm probably in the super minority, and don't wanna be 'that guy', but I don't really don't believe in marriage. I see it as an ancient way to denote property. Not that I'm against committed relationships.

It depends entirely on the person and the situation. I was very happy in my marriage for many years, and very upset and unhappy for quite a while after it ended. I'm the type of person that needs others in my life. But I am learning to be happy alone, and it is making me "grow up", so maybe someday I'll see it as a good thing.

Overall I'm in a much better place being single. Stress levels are lower. Finances are better. Freedom to come and go as I please is liberating.
There are times it would be nice to have someone around but it is not worth the hassles, BS, and sacrifices to be married.

I'm not married and I'm happy.

It depends on the circumstances. Take my second marriage. It was the happiest 5 years of my life. Unfortunately, we were married for 20.

Brian Cox: Eric, are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Eric Idle: I'm married.

Probably depends on the state of their marriage.

I know I am, and try to make sure my wife is also. I have read men do much better in a marriage than women and live longer.

That probably depends on what poll or study you read. There were times, probably most of the time, when I was happy while married. But, being unattached also has it's benefits. I'm not sure marriage is even relevant anymore, except for certain tax or insurance benefits. It's an archaic institution, otherwise, put in place to control women.

But, as far as the happiness thing, that at least in my personal experience, ebbs and flows like the tide, whether tethered by matrimony, or not. The difference is having someone to "share" those times with.

I think being happy is something that you allow yourself to be.
People in good marriages are probably happier than most single people and are probably way happier than people in bad marriages.
As for the single people they'll have to learn to be happy with themselves first.
Marriage isn't a pass to happiness.
Also human beings aren't designed to be ridiculously happy all the time.

Yes. No. That's the definative answer

Though I need to be back with my ex like I need a hole in the head, nevertheless I miss the anchor that being married provides.

We should all just live with whomever we want and go seek mate's when it suits us. lol

Depends on the people.

I think we're taught from early childhood that we can't be happy if we're single and/or childfree. For myself, the so-called American dream of a spouse, 2.5 children and a house with a white picket fence is a nightmare I would do pretty much anything to avoid.

Depends on the marriage.

Possibly...until the married one becomes widowed. Then the unmarried one remains in contentment.

Some are and some aren't.

Happiness is nto a destination to be reached, but rather a manner of traveling. (I tried to do a quiock look up to see who originaly said this, but we'll hae to say it is anonymous)