An article in the journal Science (Volume 391, Issue 6785, Page 562, February 2026) titled "Love, connection, and happily ever after" states that satisfying relationships are achievable with science and a positive mindset.[6] The pair of authors emphasize that satisfied relationships require a scientific approach along with optimism.[6] Related research shows that marital satisfaction drops from 86% in the first year to less than 50% in the seventh year.[1] Arranged marriages start off less happily, but after 10 years they outperform love marriages.[1] John Gottman states that 69% of couples' problems are permanent and trying to change partners does not work.[1] Rather than enjoyable activities, exciting shared experiences have a greater positive impact on a relationship.[1] Only 3 out of 10 couples achieve lasting happiness, with a 50% divorce rate and another 15% unhappy relationships.[3] Love is a combination of liking (decreasing by 3% per year) and liking (decreasing by 8% per year), and it is better to invest in liking.[3][2]