It’s a bit of a mystery why some romances last, and others burn out before you’ve even thought about moving your toothbrush in. The crazy thing about love is that it is one of the least understood areas of psychology.
Having said that, there are little men in white coats looking at the ins and outs of love and we’ve looked into the latest research about what makes couples really stick together…
You kiss and make up
Does one of you kiss and make up easily? Or do you both stomp around and not speak for days? A study earlier this year found that if one of you forgives and forgets easily, the relationship is likely to be stronger and happier. This stills stands if it is just one of you, so if he’s easy going and you fancy a sulk, go ahead!
You don’t spend too much time of Facebook
While Facebook and other social networking sites have revolutionised the way people communicate and build relationships, spending more time in the virtual world than the real one spells trouble. A recent study in the US found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook-related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce. Yikes!
You’ve ditched your cigarette habit
It’s bad for our health, but did you know being a smoker when your partner isn’t also spells disaster for your love life? If one half of the partnership is a smoker, you’re 75 to 91 per cent more likely to split up then couples of the same smoking or non-smoking status.
You finish each other’s sentences
Shared speech patterns show you are on the same wavelength. Physiologists have found the couples that are compatible and strong use similar phrases, words and intonations.
You sleep well
Perhaps it is no surprise that researchers have discovered relationship problems can keep us awake at night. Now, a new important finding suggests that sleepless nights can also worsen the relationship conflict. If you sleep like a baby your romantic future looks rosy!
Do you agree with the above? What other things do you think make relationships work? Tell us
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