Partners expect personality congruence and convergence as predictors of marital satisfaction

INTRODUCTION Marriage is a social institution known to exist among the human race ever since the human civilization has evolved. It is been unique to human beings as no other living being shows the complex and organised living system of family and marriage. Family being the essential aspect of human culture represents the distinctiveness and prominence of this intimate relationship that is established in our society. In this sense, marriage offers the vital structure for creating family relationships which leads in expansion, by way of producing the next generation (Larson & Holman, 1994). Marriage is considered as a lifelong union between partners which is both legally and socially accepted and it contains commitment from partners in terms of sexual, economic and social rights (Bachrach, Hindin, & Thomas, 2000). Accordingly, marriage can be defined as a social union tied with rights and duties for husband and wife towards their children and sharing economic responsibilities while living together. All the cultures across the world have shown evidence of marriage. No matter what culture we belong to, more than 90% of us are expected to marry once in our lifetime (Epstein & Guttman, 1984). Marriage is the start of a new endeavour in an individual's life and subsequently it marks the first step towards the fulfilment of social expectations and responsibility. Although, getting married is no longer a requirement for social acceptance and advancement (Cherlin, 2004). In the past people used to marry for all the social status marriage guaranteed to them but things have changed today. It has become more of a personal accomplishment and a stage in self growth and development (Bulcraft, Bulcraft, Bradley, & Simpson, 2000). However, it still provides legal and social approval for having children in third world countries. It won't be wrong to state that marriage changes the couples' status permanently. They become one family unit that share all the social, legal, financial and emotional responsibilities towards each other and bring in the next generation. It is just not only a social obligation one enters due to societal expectations but also, it is equally vital for the personal satisfaction and development of an individual. It is universally acknowledged that all social institutions have an impact on the well-being of an individual, interestingly, not all have the equal degree. Marriage is one such institution which is deeply.