According to a recent article, couples who have pet names for each other, regularly discuss finances, and engage in hot and heavy make-out sessions are happier than those who do not. Chrisanna Northrup, an author and wellness entrepreneur based out of San Diego, worked with researchers from George Mason University and the University of Washington to gather information on over 70,000 couples. The research revealed several behavioral patterns common among those with happy relationships. She writes about what they are and describes what they mean and how to make them part of a healthy and loving relationship.
The common threads include several things that can lead partners to feel threatened, insecure, or frustrated. Northrup discovered that people in unhappy relationships tend to wish their partners paid more attention to physical appearances. Everyone wants to be complimented, but Northrup suggests that rather than criticizing your partner’s appearance, you can lead by example by dressing up more often or telling your spouse how sexy they look in a particular outfit. Money is another big problem. Joan D. Atwood, CEO and President of Marriage and Family Therapists in New York, says, “If a couple has good communication, they tend to discuss money.” If your relationship has progressed past the point of deciding who will pay for the date, then money should be something that you talk about. This will prevent secrecy, fear, and financial betrayal.
Making out is another common practice among happy couples. A good lip-lock can increase hormones, get blood pumping, and open the door for physical and emotional intimacy. Likewise, pet names, even corny ones, create a unique and private connection between two people. By taking a few minutes each day to plant some kisses on your sweetie, you make him or her feel attractive, sexy, appreciated, and loved. When you call each other these pet names in front of others, it allows you to immediately share something very private in a public setting. Even if these behaviors are foreign to you and your partner, they are important to the relationship. Northrup and others suggest starting out slowly. Rather than kissing your darling in the middle of the grocery store, send a few complimentary texts using pet names. Then, perhaps in the privacy of your own home, take a moment or two and kiss like teenagers. Eventually, these behaviors will feel more comfortable to both of you and you may find yourselves not only willing to do this, but wanting to engage in these relationship-strengthening tactics.
Reference:
Brennan, Faye. (2013). Are you in a ‘normal’ relationship? (n.d.): n. pag. Fox News. Web. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/03/18/are-in-normal-relationship/
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