PH
Gratitude in relationships isn't simply feeling lucky.
Researchers followed couples to examine whether gratitude predicts relationship-maintaining behavior.
Feeling appreciated by a partner was associated with greater appreciation toward that partner.
That appreciation was then connected with greater responsiveness to the partner's needs and stronger commitment.
Researchers described this as a kind of positive relationship cycle.
Small acts of appreciation may therefore have effects beyond the moment when someone says “thank you.”
Feeling valued can make someone more motivated to value the relationship in return.
© Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2010)