Love is more than a physical attraction and belief in the concept of soul mates. Love is also about choices, decisions, and even forgiveness. Lasting relationships can thrive when partners: Gratitude strengthens love It was a conversation with John Kralik, author of 365 Thank Yous, that inspired Revitalize Your Love Life with a Three-Day Gratitude Plan. With the gratitude plan, you are essentially clearing out feelings that keep your relationship from thriving. The ultimate goal is to create a mindset for unconditional love.
In a recent study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, researchers tracked over 3,000 people to understand why they seek love. They found that the love that thrives aligns with intrinsic motivation and identified regulation - genuine, internalized reasons for pursuing a relationship. Individuals with autonomous motivation were more likely to develop and maintain long-term romantic relationships. It was less a matter of obligation and more one of genuine concern for their partner's happiness.
The day after my now-husband and I got engaged, we found ourselves talking frankly about what would happen if we ever got divorced. How would it unfold? Would it be different if we had children? We were studying families and couples in our graduate program, and we knew too much to pretend divorce would never happen to us. I have reflected on that moment often in the last 15 years.
In the early years of their relationship, Julie and Jack will admit that they did a lot of partying, while for other couples, the glue of their relationship might be going through school together, working on politics, or a sport. But life has changed for Julie and Jack. Partying has been replaced with jobs and kids. Date nights feel a bit strained-lots of talk about kids, jobs, and logistics, but little else.
