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Gratitude in relationships: small things that strengthen a couple

Updated Six Habits Editorial Team
The short answerSmall expressions of gratitude strengthen relationships. In a daily diary study of couples, feeling grateful toward a partner on one day predicted greater closeness and relationship satisfaction the next day for both partners. The authors called gratitude a "booster shot" for relationships.

Key points

What the research shows

In a study by Sara Algoe and colleagues, couples kept daily diaries for two weeks. On days when one partner felt more gratitude toward the other, both partners reported greater relationship connection and satisfaction the next day. The authors described gratitude as a “booster shot” for romantic relationships (Algoe et al., 2010).

Higher relationship quality is linked to better health (Robles et al., 2014). Gratitude interventions in general have small effects on well-being (Davis et al., 2016), so gratitude is a helpful habit rather than a cure-all.

In practice

Frequently asked questions

Should I thank my partner for routine things?

Yes. Noticing everyday efforts, like cooking or handling bills, is exactly what the research suggests.

Does gratitude journaling help relationships?

Expressing gratitude directly to your partner is likely more powerful than writing privately.

Sources

  1. ALGOE et al. (2010). It's the little things: Everyday gratitude as a booster shot for romantic relationships. Personal Relationships 17(2):217-233. doi:10.1111/j.1475-6811.2010.01273.x
  2. Robles et al. (2014). Marital quality and health: A meta-analytic review.. Psychological Bulletin 140(1):140-187. doi:10.1037/a0031859
  3. Davis et al. (2016). Thankful for the little things: A meta-analysis of gratitude interventions.. Journal of Counseling Psychology 63(1):20-31. doi:10.1037/cou0000107

Prepared according to our evidence methodology and the principles of lifestyle medicine. For education only; it does not replace advice from your doctor.

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