New research indicates that people with cheerleader partners have a higher level of relationship satisfaction.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Vol. 91, No. 5), the way you respond to your partner’s good news is an important factor in relationship health. The researchers found that research participants whose partners responded to their achievements in an energetic and constructive way (i.e.: “You really deserve that promotion, you’re going to do great!) reported higher levels of satisfaction. Another important finding was that this cheerleading support was a better predictor of satisfaction in the relationship than compassionate response to disappointing news.
We live in a world where there is just so much negativity and sometimes it can filter into our marriages. Why not think about adding something positive to the most important relationship that you will have in this life. Be ready to affirm your partner’s success.
I always encourage my wife to get me another beer. I guess from reading your article that I could do a bit more. Maybe I’ll let her change the channels occasionally. I can’t think of a better way to show my appreciation.