Every relationship comes across some ups and downs, it is just part of life. Interestingly enough, there is a lot of physiology and psychology involved in maintaining relationships. Science has proven that the key to lasting relationships is in the details. Here are 6 scientifically-proven keys to making a relationship last.
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Appreciation:
Simple acts of kindness are often appreciated the most, according to research conducted at the Gottman Institute, appreciating your spouse is important. The research states: Couples who have 5 positive interactions with each other for each negative one are significantly happier. Couples who ultimately divorced had an average of 0.8 positive interactions for every negative one.
Be Adventurous Together:
A research study showed that couples who engage in thrilling things with their partners, reported more marital satisfaction than those who don’t. Doing exciting things with your partner allows the flood of the brain’s reward circuits with dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the same brain circuits that are ignited in early romantic love; a time of exhilaration and obsessive thoughts about a new partner.
Kindness & Generosity:
According to a study conducted on hundreds of couples at University of Washington, The Gottman Institute has concluded that the two traits most important in making your marriage last are kindness and generosity. Developing the traits of kindness and generosity in your relationship will take effort and time, but they are essential if you want your relationship to last.
Simple Ways To Show Kindness & Generosity:
* Say “I love you” to your partner before going to sleep and after waking up.
* Say “Thank-you” for something you otherwise took for granted.
* Take care of the kids, when your partner is into some important work.
* Ask about their day and really listen to their response.
Read: 10 Things to keep in Mind When Loving a Highly Creative Person
Go on Dates:
Just because you are married doesn’t means that you shouldn’t go on dates with your partner. A study conducted on this topic has concluded: date night can improve your marriage and sexual satisfaction. This study says that couples who go on dates at least once a week are 3.5 times more likely to report being happy in their marriage while on the other hand couples who spend lesser time on dates each week are 2.5 times more likely to get divorced. So go on a date at least once a week or a minimum of once in two week. Dating is not just for cheesy singles, it’s for you married couples, too.
Read: Are You ‘In Love’ Or Just Attached? The Difference Is Important
Laughter:
Yes, couples worldwide have accepted that sense of humor is the reason why their marriage is lasting long. So why so serious? Smile together, crack a joke and laugh together. It boosts the relationship’s satisfactions. It is also the most effective way for keeping relationships fresh. Laughing together with your partner increases the level of oxytocin, which is known as the “cuddle hormone”. These increases in oxytocin will help to build a long lasting marriage.
Read: 10 Common Relationship Mistakes We’ve All Made
Touch:
Partners are meant to be touched. Touch is linked with feelings of safety, trust, and support. A study conducted on this topic concluded that physical affection makes the couples feel more positive about their relationship. Give them some surprise hugs, a full-body hugging increases closeness, connection, and safety between the partners. While kissing your partner, no matter if it’s a long kiss or short one, will raise your testosterone levels and will make you feel closer to your partner. The happiest couples have sex 2-3 times a week.
