Last year, Human Development Professor and Researcher Brian Ogolsky from the University of Illinois completed a study which can basically predict the failure or success of your relationship. Alarmingly, Ologsky's research has determined that only four different types of relationships exist, and just one of which actually work out! In an interest to decipher what variables played a role in a couple's likelihood to get married, Ogolsky studied 376 unmarried couples in their 20's over the span of nine months. He was able to separate all 376 of the couples into these four categories: Dramatic Couples The couples who spent the least amount of time together, but had the most ups and downs. This sector made up for 34% of the couples Ogolsky studied. Conflict-Ridden Couples The couples who fought the most often, despite having a stable relationship otherwise. This sector made up for 12% of the couples in the study. Socially-Involved Couples The couples who were interacting constantly through digital communication when they were not physically together. This sector made up for 19% of the couples in the study. Partner-Focused Couples Couples who valued their partner above all else. These couples were not necessarily always together or constantly in communication with the other, but the commonality in this category is how much the individuals in these relationships prioritized their partner. This sector made up for 30% of the couples in Ologsky's study. Not surprisingly - Ologsky found that partner-focused couples were by far the most likely to end in marriage, and dramatic relationships were most likely to end, period. However, he also found that major deal-breaking factors were present in the other two categories: The socially involved couples who were constantly interacting via social media tended to be measurably impacted by interactions they witnessed their partner have online with others, so much so that it (usually) negatively affected their overall love and commitment variables. The conflict-ridden couples, despite having a largely secure and stable relationship, tended to be affected overtime by the frequent fights and breakups. The gaps in their commitment to one another ended up equating in an overall decline in their love and commitment levels, meaning that eventually, they would or actually did break up. So there you have it! I guess if you want a relationship to work out, you just have to really, actually care about the person you're with... go figure. Follow us on Snapchat: narcitytoronto