How to Be Happy Though Married: Being a Handbook to Marriage

A guidebook on marital happiness likely written in the late 19th century. The work addresses the dynamics of marriage, aiming to provide both humorous and practical advice for couples navigating their relationship. The author appears to focus on the idea that genuine happiness in marriage requires effort, understanding, and mutual respect. At the start of the text, Hardy sets the tone by reflecting on common misconceptions about marriage, emphasizing that happiness must be cultivated rather than merely expected. He notes how couples often enter matrimony with lofty ideals and later face disillusionment as they encounter the realities of domestic life. Hardy encourages readers to appreciate the complexities of marriage, advocating for patience and the importance of self-sacrifice as keys to a successful and joyful union. Throughout this opening portion, he hints at essential topics that will be explored in more detail, providing an engaging introduction for those newly married or contemplating it.