Thousands of coaches, therapists, courses, and programs focus on improving relationships and strengthening marriages. These sources allow you to learn many different ideas, techniques, and approaches. Still, one thing you are sure to find in all the places worth visiting is this: having gratitude for one another leads to better relationships.
When we actively practice gratitude for the good things in our life, our significant others generally find their way onto the list sooner rather than later (if not, perhaps the relationship needs to be reexamined). People bring our lives meaning and happiness and add to our day-to-day in ways that delight and comfort us. It is easy to be grateful for those we love, contributing to an even better relationship.
Research from the Family Institute at Florida State University [1] showed that gratitude prayers significantly impacted relationship satisfaction. A further study from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the J&L Research and Consultancy Group found evidence that practicing gratitude alone can boost relationship satisfaction but that expressing it to one another authentically improved satisfaction beyond practicing gratitude alone.
The bottom line? When we are more positive and thankful for our loved ones, we both benefit.
Gratitude Action Step
Take a few minutes today to consider why you are grateful for your spouse or significant other. List the things that you are grateful to them for, and share that list with them.
If you do not have a significant other right now, think about a dear friend or family member instead—gratitude can help strengthen all kinds of relationships!
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[1] https://familyinstitute.chs.fsu.edu/research-action/impact-prayer-relationships
Submitted by Courtney E. Ackerman,
Positive psychologist, Researcher, and Author
https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Courtney-E-Ackerman/145060763