Gratitude has an interesting two-sided effect.
Relationship research has found that E×ρréššing gratitude doesn't benefit only the person hearing it.
The person E×ρréššing appreciation can also become more aware of the partner's value and...
Doing something for your partner
doesn't automatically strengthen a relationship.
Research on sacrifice suggests that why someone makes the sacrifice matters.
People can sacrifice because they genuinely want to support their partner, or...
The Michelangelo phenomenon has an opposite side.
Partners don't always support each other's ideal selves.
A partner can reinforce characteristics that someone doesn't particularly want, discourage goals, or treat them according to an outdated...
A supportive romantic partner doesn't only comfort you when something goes wrong.
Partners can also influence who each other becomes.
Relationship researchers use the term Michelangelo phenomenon for a process in which a partner supports...
Two people can live through the same relationship and later remember it differently.
Memory isn't a perfect video recording.
Current feelings can influence how people reconstruct previous relationship experiences.
When someone currently feels...
Knowing someone is interested in you can change how you perceive them.
This is related to reciprocity of liking.
People generally tend to like others more when they believe those people like them.
Being desired can reduce uncertainty and make...
Couples don't always perceive each other with perfect accuracy.
Research on romantic relationships has distinguished actual similarity from perceived similarity.
People can believe their partner shares more of their attitudes, values, or...