Forget the North-South divide over jobs and house prices—now it is a war of the marriages, with northern couples apparently the happiest, research has found.
Sheffield came out on top, with 47 percent of couples declaring themselves to be 'incredibly happy' with their other half, followed by Stoke-on-Trent at 38 percent and Leeds at 34 percent.
Fourth-placed Oxford was the highest-placed southern location, with 32 percent of couples agreeing with the statement, falling to a miserable 16 percent in Cambridge.
The nationwide survey of 2,000 married Britons was commissioned by digital wealth manager Moneyfarm, and the company says it paints a 'shockingly mixed picture of modern marriage'.
The research even found that as many as half of married Brits admit to regularly thinking about leaving their partner, while some confess to only staying together for financial reasons.
Carina Chambers, Pensions Technical Expert at Moneyfarm, said: 'While it is encouraging to see cities like Sheffield, Stoke and Leeds reporting high levels of marital happiness, our research reveals a more complex picture beneath the surface.
'Financial insecurity is a major factor keeping many people in unhappy relationships, from the division of assets and pensions to ensuring long-term security, showing that the 'grey divorce trap' is becoming an increasingly real issue for middle-aged Britons.
'Divorce can be one of the most financially and emotionally stressful moments in life, particularly for those who feel unable to leave unhappy marriages because of financial insecurity.'
Financial planning crucial for unhappy couples
While couples hitting the rocks are traditionally encouraged to seek marriage guidance counselling, Ms Chambers believes financial planning advice is also important for people trapped in unhappy unions.
She said: 'Clear advice can give individuals the confidence to make informed decisions, particularly where pensions are involved, which are often one of the most complex and overlooked assets to divide.
'Properly understanding and reviewing the options available, and how your future income will be affected, are essential to securing a fair outcome and maintaining financial resilience beyond divorce.'
Survey reveals financial fears and divorce knowledge gaps
The survey found that more than a third of people surveyed—34 percent—confessed that the only thing stopping them from walking away is the fear of the financial fallout.
Meanwhile, a further 30 percent worried about being left financially ruined after a split, and more women than men were most concerned about being left empty-handed—34 percent of females interviewed.
Nearly two-thirds of couples, 65 percent, admitted they rely on their partner for financial security.
The research also uncovered a divorce knowledge gap, with 41 percent admitting they would not even know where to start if they decided to call it quits.
Second thoughts were also revealed, with 22 percent admitting they wished they had married someone else, and 7 percent confessing they have secretly kept in touch with 'the one that got away'.
But many couples were determined to make marriage work, with almost a quarter—23 percent—saying they would rather work on their marriage before making a divorce final.
