Why You Definitely Need To Thank Your Soul Mate

What role does gratitude play in our lives? Is it important in a relationship? Scientific research shows yes; although often this quality is not highly estimated by us. And in vain.

The content of the article

• 1 Research on gratitude in interpersonal relationships
• 2 The sphere of romantic relationships
• 3 How to apply this knowledge in practice?
• 4 What if your partner doesn't appreciate the good?
• 5 Useful findings

Research on gratitude in interpersonal relationships i

In 2010, researchers Grant and Gino examined the impact that gratitude has on relationships between people. They conducted a total of four experiments.

In the first two parts of the study, participants received letters of thanks for their help in writing a cover letter for their resume. Those subjects who received such letters were later more inclined to help this person again. And they were also more motivated to help him again in solving another problem.

Sphere of romantic relationships2

And in 2011, academics Kubaka, Finkenauer, Rusbult, and Keizers decided to assess how gratitude affects marital relationships over time. During the interviews, the following conclusions were obtained:

• Spouses feel grateful to their partners for responding to their needs.
• This feeling of gratitude towards your partner, in turn, motivates you to further improve the relationship.
• Over time, the positive cycle develops and contributes to the strengthening of the relationship between spouses and the establishment of deeper contact.

Overall, gratitude is one of the most powerful psychological mechanisms that can only influence relationships. It creates a positive cycle in which all communication participants want to show their best side.

How to apply this knowledge in practice? 3

Gratitude is important both on first dates and after long years of married life. In this regard, the following psychological recommendations will be helpful:

• Notice the partner's efforts. Pay attention to every action they take to support and benefit the relationship. This will help you develop a sense of gratitude; and you will appreciate your partner and his positive actions more.
• Demonstrate your gratitude. It is important not only to notice the good, but also to react to it correctly. Timely responses will help reinforce the desired behavior. Write a note of appreciation. Hug or kiss your partner. This will allow you to fix the behavior that you like on an unconscious level.
• Do something nice for your lover. Then notice if he notices it; and if so, how his gratitude is expressed. If your partner appreciates your good deeds, then a positive cycle of gratitude and loving behavior may well develop between you. However, if he or she does not appreciate your efforts - especially if you have made several attempts to do something pleasant - it may be worth changing your strategy.

What if your partner doesn't appreciate the good? 4

There are several ways to correct the situation in this case.

• First, make sure he really needs your love. Gratitude can only be created on the basis of satisfying a need. Sometimes it happens that another person does not need our efforts at all; and no matter how we try to jump over our heads, he does not appreciate them. The reason is simple: there is no need or need.
• Make sure you also respond to the kindness of your other half. Sometimes the good things a partner does for us are easy to overlook. And then it seems that these things are not so important to us. And then the cycle of gratitude is broken. That is why it is always worth talking about what actions of your partner cause you a positive reaction.

Assess your partner's overall disposition to invest in the relationship. If you do too much and ask for nothing in return, then depreciation becomes a matter of course

Useful conclusions5

So, there is no denying the fact that gratitude plays an essential role in our relationship. In the literal sense of the word, she can become the driving force that will build your joint future. And in order to increase its amount in your relationship, you can first try to find it in the little things. Over time, it will certainly have a beneficial effect on your love alliance.