“Maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship requires effort, commitment, and understanding.”

Don’t we all know it!

Drawing from the research of renowned psychologist John Gottman and his team, here are three essential practices to nurture and strengthen your bond with your partner. These guys know their stuff - through and through, and can predict with over 90 percent accuracy if a relationship will last.

So trust me (and their 50 years of research into couples) that these three points will ensure you will have many anniversaries and Valentine’s Day (if that’s your jam) to come!

1. **Build Emotional Intelligence**:
Gottman emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in relationships. This involves being aware of and managing your own emotions, as well as being empathetic and responsive to your partner's feelings. Practice active listening, validate your partner's emotions, and communicate openly and honestly. By fostering emotional intelligence, couples can better navigate conflicts and deepen their connection.

2. **Cultivate Fondness and Admiration**: Gottman's research highlights the significance of maintaining a positive perspective on your partner and the relationship. Make a conscious effort to express appreciation, admiration, and fondness towards your partner regularly. Recall the qualities that initially attracted you to them and celebrate their strengths. By fostering a culture of admiration and appreciation, couples can reinforce their bond and weather challenges more effectively.

3. **Nurture Trust and Intimacy**: Trust is the foundation of a healthy relationship. Gottman emphasizes the importance of building trust through honesty, reliability, and integrity. Foster intimacy by prioritizing quality time together, expressing affection, and engaging in meaningful conversations. Create a safe space where both partners feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, fears, and desires. By nurturing trust and intimacy, couples can strengthen their connection and deepen their emotional bond.

Incorporating these practices into your relationship can help cultivate a strong foundation, enhance communication, and foster mutual respect and understanding. Remember that relationships require ongoing effort and commitment from both partners. By implementing Gottman's insights into your relationship, you can cultivate a fulfilling and lasting connection with your partner.

Strengthening Your Relationship: Insights from a Gottman perspective