Showing gratitude for the little things in relationships boosts feelings of happiness and romance.
Gratitude and indebtedness are emotional responses, which have implications on interpersonal relationships. To study the role of gratitude in romantic relationships, researchers identified 65 American couples in ongoing, satisfying and committed relationships. The researchers tracked the day-to-day fluctuations in relationship satisfaction and connection for each member in the relationship.
The little, everyday, ups and downs in relationship quality were monitored and gratitude from interactions marked an increase in relationship connection and satisfaction. The beneficial effect on the relationship was seen in both partners even a day after the expression of gratitude.
The findings suggest that everyday gratitude serves as an important relationship maintenance mechanism in close relationships, acting as a booster shot for the romantic relationship.
Gratitude and indebtedness are emotional responses, which have implications on interpersonal relationships. To study the role of gratitude in romantic relationships, researchers identified 65 American couples in ongoing, satisfying and committed relationships. The researchers tracked the day-to-day fluctuations in relationship satisfaction and connection for each member in the relationship.
The little, everyday, ups and downs in relationship quality were monitored and gratitude from interactions marked an increase in relationship connection and satisfaction. The beneficial effect on the relationship was seen in both partners even a day after the expression of gratitude.
The findings suggest that everyday gratitude serves as an important relationship maintenance mechanism in close relationships, acting as a booster shot for the romantic relationship.