Psychologists say it’s possible to save a relationship with just one word

We often see articles dedicated to the different ways of maintaining a relationship, full of advice such as “organizing romantic evenings”, “lighting candles to create a more cozy atmosphere”, “wearing underwear with lace” and the like. However, researchers, based on studies carried out, conclude that the key factor in maintaining a happy and strong marriage is the mutual gratitude🇧🇷

O incredible.club explains in detail why a simple “thank you” can help save your relationship and shows how this mutual gratitude can be what is needed to make everything better.

Expressing gratitude is the most meaningful thing in a marriage. This shows whether or not spouses feel happy with each other. This is the conclusion reached by scientists from the University of Georgia (USA), after conducting a study.

Mutual gratitude directly influences the way couples see their marriage and the relationship between them, which, in turn, is directly linked to the harmony and duration of a union.

Some of the factors that weaken a relationship are: the excessive demand and the critical attitude towards your partner, even if in the union both are very demanding or even the opposite, that accumulate everything in silence. This type of behavior can have negative consequences for the relationship, especially in situations of an economic nature, according to the scientists.

Giving thanks helps overcome these patterns of behavior (often transformed by routine), as well as rekindling the flame in a relationship that is off, to avoid divorce, even when there are marital confrontations and the couple is not managing to smooth out these mutual disagreements. “This shows the power of simply saying thank you,” explains the study’s lead author, Allen Barton.

Unfortunately, our brains are more likely to remember bad things than good ones. For this reason, it is much easier to criticize, “protest” and complain than to notice your partner’s good deeds and praise him/her for it.

The ability to be grateful takes some practice. Therefore, psychologists propose following these steps, which can help make mutual appreciation part of your daily life:

Create a “thank you journal”. It can be a notebook or the “Notes” application on your cell phone. Every day, write down in this journal at least three things you are grateful for about your partner and your relationship.

Focus on the positive. Remember that it is very important to recognize in yourself feelings such as sadness or anger towards your partner and talk to him about these negative experiences. But even on your worst day, there’s something worth saying “thank you” for, even if it’s about relatively insignificant things like washing the dishes or cleaning the apartment.

When expressing your gratitude, be honest. Don’t overdo it with your enthusiasm or gratitude if you’re not really feeling it. In a sincere relationship, there should be no place for hypocrisy. Speak clearly and be direct, discard abstract and vague formulations. For example, instead of saying “thanks, you are so great”, better say to your partner “Thanks for picking up the kids from school”.