Research on Relationships by a Lexington, Kentucky Therapist

Why am I so excited about the findings of my Research on Relationships? From this rich body of practical research we can find tons of ways to improve marriages, family and business relationships, and all kinds of relationships.

Throughout my career, I’ve had a keen interest in studying what works to improve human relationships and to heal broken ones. For over 30 years, the focus of my clinical practice has been on discovering what relationship skills successful people use to make their relationships great. What do they do to make their marriages, work relationships and friendships stand the test of time and endure, despite life's problems and ups and downs?

Also, I have studied individuals and organizations who have been particularly successful with their relationships . . . and I’ve managed to accumulate a wealth of information about counterproductive attitudes and behaviors, as well as productive and beneficial ones.

My experience with businesses, couples, families, adults and children, have enabled me to put together a variety of programs, strategies and initiatives to assist people in making positive changes in their lives, and to enjoy more fulfilling relationships.

Below you’ll find an overview of my top 15 simple truths about romantic relationships, and my findings as to what makes a couple’s relationship succeed or fail. Many of these 15 truths apply to other kinds of relationships, too. So let’s see some of the results of my research on relationships.

15 Simple Truths About Romantic Relationships

1. Even when faced with problems or dire circumstances, couples who have great relationships look for the good in themselves and the relationship. They never seem to lose sight of the good memories they have made together. They tend to be positive and optimistic in their outlook. They tend to focus on their potential, rather than shortcomings, and solutions, rather than problems.
2. Couples get nowhere by arguing and fighting.
3. Couples who succeed have a bias for action. When something goes wrong they fix it. When nothing goes wrong they engage in other productive behaviors. They are proactive about their marriages.
4. Successful couples – young and old – tend to be very playful and young-hearted. They laugh more than cry. They never stop flirting with each other.
5. In a strong marriage, when the spouses get mad at each other, they don’t stay mad for long.
6. In a good marriage, each spouse puts the relationship or marriage ahead of personal desires or selfish interests. They make sacrifices for the good of the relationship . . . without complaining.
7. Happy couples love without ceasing.
8. Happy couples realize their relationship was there before the children, and will continue after they are gone.
9. Happy couples never stop growing as individuals and they never stop growing their relationship.
10. In a marriage that works, neither spouse shirks responsibility.
11. Spouses who stay together think highly of their beloved. Each thinks the other is more important to the relationship.
12. Couples with great relationships are a mutual admiration society.
13. The very best couples are the very best of friends… throughout life.
14. Happy marriages are composed of two partners who never stop giving. In fact, they prefer giving to receiving, since they derive much more joy out of giving. To see their partner happy is the highest possible joy.
15. In a healthy marriage, each spouse regards the marriage as the greatest single asset in their lives. It is their rock. And they never stop investing in it.

Continue reading on this site to see what other truisms have resulted in my research on relationships.

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