When it comes to finding the "right time" to marry your partner, people often go off of instinct and romance. But researchers have found that waiting a certain amount of time to get married may actually increase your likelihood of

Researchers at Emory University surveyed more than 3,000 currently or previously married people about various aspects about their weddings and marriages in general. The study found lots of interesting information, but one of the biggest was the correlation between the length of the dating period and how long the marriage lasted.

When compared against couples who'd dating for one year, couple who dated one to two years had about a 20% lower chance of divorcing. When those couples were compared to those who dated for three or more years, likelihood of divorce decreased by about 50%.

This is great news for the average couple who, according to recent surveys, waits almost five years before tying the knot.

Additionally, knowing them before you began dating them can also help — couples who claimed to know each other "very well" when they got married were about 50% less likely to get divorced than other couples.

Ultimately, only you and your partner can decide when you should tie the knot — if ever. Of course, taking your time and getting to know each other will only benefit you, but if it's right, it's right.