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Forget Shakespeare’s sonnets; a new study has revealed just two words can help to strengthen a relationship.
And no, it’s not “more wine”.
It turns out these two simple, magic words – “thank you” – can do wonders for bolstering your connection, and helping your spouse feel valued. And this is all because it cultivates a climate of gratitude with your loved one.
A study from Georgia University found that gratitude predicted how happy individuals feel in their relationship, according to Metro.
Researchers interviewed 468 married individuals, and questioned them on their finances, communication habits and how grateful they felt towards their partner.
“It goes to show the power of ‘thank you’,” says Allen Barton, the study’s lead author.
“Even if a couple is experiencing distress and difficulty in other areas, gratitude in the relationship can help promote positive marital outcomes.” (Post continues after gallery.)
Barton described the finding as “a practical way” for couples to strengthen their relationships, particularly if they found communicating to be difficult.
He believes that when we feel appreciated by our spouses, it can have a “protective effect” over our marriages.
For the sake of science, I texted “thank you” to my husband. I think the following conversation demonstrates the new protective force-field of gratitude over our relationship. Either that, or I’m just a romance-obsessed troll.
Try uttering those two words to your partner today, to reap the positive, loved-up benefits of gratitude.
Which words work wonders in your relationship?
