What Predicts Relationship Satisfaction?
In part two of our series on relationships, what predicts relationship satisfaction? Appreciation. At the Three Seas, we know that appreciation is an essential ingredient in maintaining healthy and happy romantic relationships. In fact, research has shown that appreciation is one of the key predictors of relationship satisfaction and longevity1. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of appreciation in romantic relationships and provide practical tips on how to incorporate appreciation into your daily routine.
Appreciation reduces stress and promotes mental health
Appreciation can also have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that expressing gratitude and appreciation can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety2. When we feel appreciated, we experience positive emotions such as joy and contentment, which can help to promote overall well-being.
Appreciation improves communication and reduces conflict
Effective communication is essential for a healthy and strong relationship. When we appreciate our partner, we create a safe and supportive environment for communication3. This helps to reduce misunderstandings and conflict, and fosters a deeper understanding and connection between partners.
Appreciation fosters a culture of love and respect
Appreciation is a key ingredient in creating a culture of love and respect in a relationship4. When we appreciate our partner, we demonstrate our love and respect for them, which helps to create a sense of trust and security. This can lead to a stronger emotional connection, increased intimacy, and a deeper sense of love and commitment.
In conclusion, appreciation is an essential aspect of a healthy and strong romantic relationship. By expressing appreciation for our partner’s positive qualities and actions, we can create a positive and supportive environment, promote mental health, improve communication, and foster a culture of love and respect.
So how can you incorporate appreciation into your daily routine?
Here are some practical tips:
- Make a conscious effort to express gratitude and appreciation for your partner every day. This could be a simple thank-you for making dinner or a heartfelt expression of gratitude for their love and support.
- Look for opportunities to compliment your partner and acknowledge their strengths and qualities. This could be a compliment on their appearance, their intelligence, or their kindness.
- Write a love letter or a note expressing your appreciation for your partner. This is a great way to express your feelings and show your partner how much you care.
- Practice active listening and validate your partner’s feelings and emotions. This shows that you value and respect their perspective, which is an important aspect of appreciation.
Summary: Appreciation is Key
appreciation is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and happy romantic relationship. By expressing gratitude and appreciation for your partner, you can create a positive emotional climate, build trust and intimacy, reduce conflict, and improve your mental health and wellbeing. So take the time to appreciate your partner today, and watch your relationship thrive! If you want to dive in deeper on this topic, Jay Shetty has a fantastic book.
[wpdevart_like_box profile_id=”thethreeseaspsychology” stream=”hide” connections=”hide” width=”300″ height=”550″ header=”small” cover_photo=”show” locale=”en_US”]References
- Joel, S., Eastwick, P. W., Allison, C. J., Arriaga, X. B., Baker, Z. G., Bar-Kalifa, E., Bergeron, S., Birnbaum, G. E., Brock, R. L., Brumbaugh, C. C., Carmichael, C. L., Chen, S., Clarke, J., Cobb, R. J., Coolsen, M. K., Davis, J., De Jong, D. C., Debrot, A., Dehaas, E. C., . . . Wolf, S. (2020). Machine learning uncovers the most robust self-report predictors of relationship quality across 43 longitudinal couples studies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(32), 19061-19071. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1917036117
- Monin JK, Poulin MJ, Brown SL, Langa KM. Spouses’ daily feelings of appreciation and self-reported well-being. Health Psychol. 2017 Dec;36(12):1135-1139. doi: 10.1037/hea0000527. Epub 2017 Jul 20. PMID: 28726476; PMCID: PMC5800303.
- Davoodvandi M, Navabi Nejad S, Farzad V. Examining the Effectiveness of Gottman Couple Therapy on Improving Marital Adjustment and Couples’ Intimacy. Iran J Psychiatry. 2018 Apr;13(2):135-141. PMID: 29997659; PMCID: PMC6037577.
