Have you ever wondered what makes your relationship work?
Is there evidence to show that honesty or commitment contributes in a positive way to a relationship?
Well, the truth is that there is a lot of scientific research about all this.
Here Are 9 Scientific Findings That Can Improve Your Relationship. Science to the rescue again!
1. How committed are you?
How many times have you heard from your friends that there was no commitment from the other person? This is a very common explanation of why
What does the commitment mean in real terms? It means that you and your partner will be able to weather any storm, stay long term and support each other, no matter what happens. That is the true signature of a great team. A great team that puts the health of the relationship before personal benefit.
There is a very interesting article in the Social Psychology and Personality Bulletin that supports this statement. The researchers, Arriaga and Agnew, came to the conclusion that being committed in the long term is a guarantee for a stable and lasting relationship.
2. Is a kiss just a kiss?
Research on our closest animal relatives, the chimpanzees, shows that the kiss is a symbol of union much more powerful than we might think. There are numerous physical changes. For example, a passionate kiss can cause a whole series of chemical reactions involving neurons and transmitters that activate us internally.
Dopamine is one of the most powerful neurotransmitters unleashed by a kiss and can activate naturally at very high levels. Adrenaline and serotonin are also activated when we are in action. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the frequency of kissing and the quality of the relationship. The more, the better.
3. Visualize the couple as an attachment figure
The supreme example of an attachment figure for a child is a father / mother who loves him / her. That is the figure to which he returns seeking approval and support. A similar process occurs when you create a romantic relationship with someone. It becomes stronger by having intimacy and union. These figures fill the gaps in our lives and are the first we seek to celebrate our triumphs and console ourselves in our failures. The stronger the attachment, the greater the chances of having a healthy and happy relationship.
4. Do you have positive illusions from your partner?
“Love is not blind -see more, not less.” But as you see more, choose to see less “- Will Moss
Given that question, many people would say that having your partner’s illusions could lead you down to long-term path. But science has shown that this does not have to be true. Romantic love is full of illusions that make you see an idealized version of your partner, but to what extent is this healthy?
A positive image is typical of the beginning of the relationship. Then it will begin to reveal its flaws, its bad habits, and other negative things. Studies show that the more you know, the less likely you are to stay in love.
And in a way this is true, look at the divorced who shudder when they think how could they fall in love with that person. But current research supports the idea that positive illusions help make the relationship more lasting. These couples fight less and are happier.
5. How independent are you?
Most relationships seem to work best when there is some degree of autonomy in the couple and they feel that they do not have to act together all the time. You do not experience a sense of coercion in making decisions and you can have the time and space you want to do whatever you want.
Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of the Science of Happiness, makes it clear in her book how autonomy can lead to less stress and greater happiness in our lives.
“To find yourself, think for yourself” – Socrates.
6. Did you tell a lie today?
Normally lies are toxic to any relationship because they can erode the trust created. Psychologists, however, distinguish 2 types of lie.
The first is an antisocial lie and can be used to manipulate a situation in your favor or simply to deceive your partner. This is considered a betrayal of trust and can be a nuance to the relationship.
The second is called a pro-social lie and this is where you go to avoid bad news or just to avoid an unpleasant situation or not hurting your partner’s feelings. This kind of lies can help protect the relationship and avoid unnecessary situations. It was the conclusion reached by the investigations directed by Robin Dunbar of the University of Oxford.
7. Never underestimate the power of physical contact
Did you know that a hormone called oxytocin is released when we kiss, hug, shake hands or when we reach orgasm? Physical contact can only improve our sense of well being and is an important element in building a healthy and happy relationship. It is a blessing. Studies show that there is a very strong link between high-quality relationships and frequent physical contact.
8. A great investment for your health
The experts now tell us that it is worth spending time and effort in building a stable and long-lasting relationship. Why? The benefits for physical and mental health are so many that they will positively influence our quality of life and will help us to live longer.
Researchers at Cardiff University say that women benefit from better mental health, while men seem to be physically healthier. They see it as a solid investment and it is well worth the effort.
9. Learn how to grow the relationship
Probably the biggest risk to a stable relationship is falling into the routine. The same process: going out with friends, eating, making love, going out, eating … Boredom is like a virus that settles and often leads to dissatisfaction and boredom.
The statistics in this case do not lie. Relationships are happier and relaxed when new things are explored together. Things as simple as having a nightly date eleven in a while or trying to new hobby together can set the path to discovering new wonderful things in your lives.