"Marriage is very popular among U.S. adults, in part because it does offer many rewards that unmarried people don't enjoy. Marriage has become socially controversial in part because of the intense political efforts to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. Regardless of your moral position on the issue of same-sex marriage, you can see the political quest for it as an indicator of just how rewarding it is to be legally a “married couple.” There are numerous studies and books on the benefits of marriage to married individuals. Below are the Top Ten Benefits of Being Married in Contrast to Being Single: 1. Better physical and emotional health 2. More wealth and income 3. Positive social status 4. More and safer sex 5. Life-long continuity of intimate relationships 6. Safer circumstances for children 7. Longer life expectancy 8. Lower odds of being crime victims 9. Enhanced legal and insurance rights and benefits (tax, medical, and inheritance) 10. Higher self-reported happiness"