There's some great data and a lot of research behind each of these points, but that doesn't mean you have to agree. Remember, correlation does not always indicate causation. Do you find this research to be true in your life, or are you living proof to the contrary?

1. Premarital cohabitation INCREASES chances of divorce

This article cites a study reporting a 49% chance of divorce within the first five years of marriage for couples who lived together before marriage and a 62% chance after ten years of marriage.

On the flipside, couples who did not live together until after marriage face a 20% chance of divorce within the first five years and a 33% chance after 10 years.

2. The 3rd year of marriage is likely the happiest, but get through the 7th

According to a study cited by The Huffington Post, couples hit the happiest point in their marriage at three years. They say the first year is full of post-marriage happiness and the second is dedicated to getting to know each other more. By the third year, couples are used to each other and the marriage lifestyle.

After five years things start to get more complicated. Increased occupational stresses and a growing family were factors affecting happiness.

The same study reports that if a couple can make it through the first seven years of marriage they have a greater chance at an enjoyable, long-lasting marriage.

3. More than 75% of people who marry someone they've had an affair with get divorced

This comes from a 2000 study cited here. That's a shocking statistic, but not altogether surprising. There are few worse ways to start off a relationship than on a foundation of infidelity.

4. Cheap weddings = great marriages

CNN reported on this study a couple of years ago. Here are the deets:

• Couples who spent more than $20,000 on their wedding showed a divorce rate 1.6 times higher than those who spent between $5,000 and $10,000.

• Couples who spent less than $1,000 showed below average divorce rates.

As of 2016, the average wedding cost across the nation was $29,858.

Interestingly enough, researchers found a similar correlation with money spent on an engagement ring. Less, more often than not, is more.

5. Those who marry between the age of 28 and 32 are less likely to divorce

This University of Utah study says that's the sweet spot in life for getting hitched. Researchers didn't delve too deeply into why that is, they just looked at the data. It could be that people in that age range are well past the hormonal teen years and probably have a little more stability in life than someone in their early 20s.

Take this data with a grain of salt. It doesn't mean your marriage is going to fail if you got married at 27 or 33. On a very broad scale, this is just where one study finds the greatest odds for success. This article cites a different study with different results. Just be the best spouse you can, no matter the age.

BONUS: Marriage is a better indicator of life satisfaction than kids are

That's according to a study cited in this article. Kids are great, but in terms of life satisfaction, marriage wins. Marriage also beats factors like money and sex. It sure looks like marriage is a lot more than just a fancy paper from the government.

Have these interesting facts proven to be true in your life or have you beat the odds?