Irishmen prefer to be single survey shows

Shock research reveals all

ANTOINETTE KELLY,

Published Monday, June 28, 2010, 7:22 AM

Updated Monday, June 28, 2010, 7:30 AM

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Irish football fans: Irish men like the single life according to new research

Sorry girls, but if you are looking for an Irishman chances are that he prefers to stay single.

An analysis by researchers at University College Cork of 15,000 men and women reveals that men are happiest when single.

In contrast women reported feeling much happier when they were married and has achieved parenthood. The average Irish single man is happier than his married equivalent and more content than single Irish women the survey finds.

Lee-Ann Burke, a lecturer in economics at University College Cork , said the study contradicts other surveys showing men happier being married.

“The general consensus is that married men are happier, and are physically healthier because their wives will encourage them to go to the doctor more,” Burke said. “We don’t know why, but men’s mental health declined when they were married. It could be the stress of having a family or income pressures.”

One of those interviewed, Susan Ahern a 33-year-old from Cork said men had it easier single which is why they enjoy it.

Single men definitely have it easier than single women she told the Irish Sunday Times. “They seem to move on from one girl to next and don’t think about it,” she said. “When out with women, the topic of the conversation is always men and who they’re pining over. Men just get on with it.”

What do you think? Do single men have it easier?

Nster.com

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AWard04 | Nov 10, 2010, 03:28 PM EST

It depends on how they asked the questions and when they asked them...if they asked them while they had a beautiful girl on their arms, what do you suppose their answer would be? I agree with the gentleman who said it depends on the relationship the married guys have. Men and women have to have respect for each other, you take that out of the equation and things aren't going to be good, you only really face the effects of that in a long term relationship (ie-marriage). A meaningful 8 hour relationship doesn't hinge on respect ;)

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StevieWeavie | Jul 04, 2010, 08:51 AM EDT

I think it is a matter of opinion. Everyone is different. I can see a man's Mental Health declining in a marriage, especially if he has a wife who is a nagger, controlling and has a lack of respect for her husband. This type of woman will put her husband down especially in front of others. He won't argue with her and keeps quiet because he doesn't want the nagging/little digs to continue (the easy way out). On the other hand I have seen the total opposite. I've seen men who have more self esteem due to the contant encouragement his wife gives him, her respect and love for him. This goes for both genders. A great percentage of people change once they are married, some people never change. Though I believe marriage should last forever but sometimes it is not possible. No man or woman should take any type of abuse whether mental or physical. People make mistakes and do things or say things in the heat of the moment and are really sorry for it and didn't really mean it but a constant way of life in this area is not healthy mentally or physically. Relationships take work. You have two different people trying to create a world where they can both be happy. In order for this to work you have to compromise. Many people don't want to compromise, some do. The easier way out is to remain single, this is especially true when you have tried to make relationships work and you just seem to pick the wrong one every time.............this is a subject that can go on and on due to the avenues i.e., whether they love being a parent and so on....

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redtink | Jun 29, 2010, 12:07 AM EDT

Yes men in general have easier. We except men know matter what they look like on the most part. But for women you have to be picture perfect. No stress there.

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Reilleyfam | Jun 28, 2010, 01:24 PM EDT

Happier married if in a GOOD marriage, otherwise single is happiest.

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dogster42 | Jun 28, 2010, 11:00 AM EDT

heh,heh, these boys might be on to something, eh? But they eventually dies out if no children are produced??

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