A new study released Friday suggests that altruistic love breeds better marriages.

The study questioned participants on the merits of sacrifice as it relates to love and according to Tom Smith of the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, "Altruistic love was associated with greater happiness in general and especially with more marital happiness."

Those who said they agree with statements such as "I'm willing to sacrifice my own wishes to let the one I love achieve his or hers" were found to have higher levels of happiness with their spouses, according to the study.

The study also reported that 67 percent of those who displayed more altruistic qualities rated their marriages as "very happy." Among those who were less altruistic, 50 percent said they were happy in their marriages.