When your spouse passes a plate at supper or compliments your new outfit, you have a chance to say two words that'll keep your marriage happy, according to new research.
Researchers at the University of Georgia found saying "thank you" can "act as an effective buffer to divorce and dictate how committed partners feel in their relationship," Jess Staufenberg wrote for The Independent. In particular, the simple phrase counteracts conflict and negative encounters.
Randee Dawn wrote for Today.com that researchers asked 468 married people about their partner and relationship finding that thankfulness is the greatest indicator of glee in marriage.
Compounded with the obvious, what can gratitude do to help loved ones get along?
It acts as damage control, study author Allen Barton told Ellie Zolfagharifard of Daily Mail.
"It goes to show the power of 'thank you,'" Barton said. "Even if a couple is experiencing distress and difficulty in other areas, gratitude in the relationship can help promote positive marital outcomes."
The researchers' findings prove unique because they emphasize the "protective effect" appreciation in marriage has, The Daily Mail noted. The study highlights a practical way for couples to work with each other to make a marriage last even if partners struggle to communicate effectively in conflict, Barton says.
In fact, partners can argue often and still stay in love depending on the way they handle disagreements and how frequently, you guessed it, they say those two words, the study's co-author Ted Futris said, according to the Mirror Online.
"All couples have disagreements and argue," Futris says. "And, when couples are stressed, they are likely to have more arguments. What distinguishes the marriages that last from those that don't is not how often they argue, but how they argue and how they treat each other on a daily basis."
The University of Georgia's study can do your relationship "a bunch of good," but further steps shouldn't be ignored either, Kristine Fellizar wrote for Bustle.
Just reaching out and surprising partners goes a long way, Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist, told Bustle.
And don't forget to engage in conversation by asking questions.
"It shows not only that you were listening initially but that it is sustained," Durvasula told Bustle. "Few of us are heard any more in such a distracted world. To hear someone listening to us is a fantastic way to show gratitude."
Researchers at the University of Georgia found saying "thank you" can "act as an effective buffer to divorce and dictate how committed partners feel in their relationship," Jess Staufenberg wrote for The Independent. In particular, the simple phrase counteracts conflict and negative encounters.
Randee Dawn wrote for Today.com that researchers asked 468 married people about their partner and relationship finding that thankfulness is the greatest indicator of glee in marriage.
Compounded with the obvious, what can gratitude do to help loved ones get along?
It acts as damage control, study author Allen Barton told Ellie Zolfagharifard of Daily Mail.
"It goes to show the power of 'thank you,'" Barton said. "Even if a couple is experiencing distress and difficulty in other areas, gratitude in the relationship can help promote positive marital outcomes."
The researchers' findings prove unique because they emphasize the "protective effect" appreciation in marriage has, The Daily Mail noted. The study highlights a practical way for couples to work with each other to make a marriage last even if partners struggle to communicate effectively in conflict, Barton says.
In fact, partners can argue often and still stay in love depending on the way they handle disagreements and how frequently, you guessed it, they say those two words, the study's co-author Ted Futris said, according to the Mirror Online.
"All couples have disagreements and argue," Futris says. "And, when couples are stressed, they are likely to have more arguments. What distinguishes the marriages that last from those that don't is not how often they argue, but how they argue and how they treat each other on a daily basis."
The University of Georgia's study can do your relationship "a bunch of good," but further steps shouldn't be ignored either, Kristine Fellizar wrote for Bustle.
Just reaching out and surprising partners goes a long way, Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist, told Bustle.
And don't forget to engage in conversation by asking questions.
"It shows not only that you were listening initially but that it is sustained," Durvasula told Bustle. "Few of us are heard any more in such a distracted world. To hear someone listening to us is a fantastic way to show gratitude."
