
With that in mind, marriage counseling provides a vital opportunity to observe couples’ interactions, assess where conflict arises, and agree on the steps required to meet both partners’ needs. After all, a positive attitude radiates through all areas of the relationship: play, romance, learning, and adventure. And this emotional intelligence can be seen, even in relatively short interactions. In successful marriages, partners are more positive than negative about one another. “ Happily married couples aren’t smarter, richer or more psychologically astute than others,” he says. So, based on decades of research and interviewing thousands of couples, what did he conclude was the secret behind a happy marriage?

When researchers tested his predictions, he was 91% accurate. In Gottman and Silver’s excellent book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (1999), John Gottman describes how, after observing a couple’s interaction for only 15 minutes, he can predict the likelihood that they will remain together.Īnd, surprisingly, he is almost always right.
COUPLES JOURNAL PROMPTS DOWNLOAD
Whether facilitated through one-to-one therapy, books, or mobile apps, the marriage counseling tools and approaches discussed in this article can strengthen marriage’s emotional bonds and improve overall relationship satisfaction.īefore you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Relationships Exercises for free. Research has identified that even increasing the number of positive interactions over negative ones can improve marriage stability (Budiharto, Meliana, & Rumondor, 2017). Nevertheless, there are many approaches, often relatively straightforward, that have been shown to improve relationships. Indeed, according to the American Psychological Association (2020), between 40 and 50 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce. There are also weekly connection tips that will give you ideas for dates and other simple ways to feel more connection in your relationship.While research confirms that marriage leads to increased life satisfaction, it is not without its challenges (Boyce, Wood, & Ferguson, 2016). One of my favorite dates we've been on and why I loved it: My favorite purchase we've made together and why it was a worthwhile investment: One thing you can do to support me in my goals and dreams:

A time in our relationship I wish we could relive: One of the best gifts you've ever given me and why I loved it: Makes a beautiful wedding, anniversary, or Valentine's Day giftĮ xamples of prompts in the Loom Couples Journal:.Ideal for any couple in a committed relationship.One year's worth of research-backed prompts, connection tips, and relationship quotes.Write at the same time, or pass the journal back and forth.Answer just three questions each, once a week, for a more connected relationship.

A small investment to make for a happier marriage! The 52 weeks of prompts and tips inside are thoughtfully curated using leading methodology to help you build a more fulfilling relationship as you both write in it just once a week.

No matter how long you've been together, this weekly journal will open up conversations that will strengthen, heal, and enliven your relationship. Cover Material: Linen Spine with Leatherette Cover
