1. Saying ‘thank you’ can save your relationship
The findings of new research suggest that gratitude from one’s partner may be a powerful tool for couples as it increases relationship satisfaction and commitment while protecting couples from the corrosive effects of ineffective arguing and financial stress. Researcher Allen W. Barton said, “Our main hypothesis was that perceived gratitude from one’s partner would have what we call stress-buffering effects – that it would protect couples from the declines in relationship quality that typically happen when you have negative communication or when you have higher levels of financial strain.”
2. Alley said, “I almost ran off and married John”
Kirstie Alley and John Travolta were never romantically involved, but that wasn’t how she initially wanted it. Alley, who died Monday at the age of 71 after a brief illness, often talked of her feelings for Travolta, whom she called the “greatest love” of her life. “I almost ran off and married John. I did love him, I still love him,” Alley said. “If I hadn’t been married I would’ve gone and married him and I would’ve been in an airplane because he has his [own plane.]”
3. Best 2022 Christmas movies to watch with your SO
Since Christmas is approaching, here’s a list of Christmas movies you can watch with your partner, to amp up your festive spirit:
Falling for Christmas (Netflix) A Christmas Story Christmas (HBO Max) Santa Camp (HBO Max) Spirited (Apple TV+) Three Wise Men and a Baby (Nov. 19, 8/7c Hallmark) Santa Bootcamp (Nov. 19, 8/7c Lifetime) The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (Nov. 25, Disney+) 12 Days of Christmas Eve (Nov. 26, 8/7c Lifetime) Haul out the Holly (Nov. 26, 8/7c Hallmark) Mickey Saves Christmas (Nov. 27, 7/6c ABC; Nov. 28, Disney+)
4. “You can’t make someone love you by giving them more of what they don’t already appreciate”
Khloe Kardashian recently dished out some sound relationship advice on her Instagram Stories. On Dec. 3, the 38-year-old shared a quote that read, “Advice of the day: You can’t make someone love you by giving them more of what they don’t already appreciate.” While Khloe didn’t elaborate on who inspired the message, the post comes almost exactly one year since it was revealed that her ex Tristan Thompson fathered a child with Maralee Nichols. At the time, Tristin and Khloe were secretly engaged. Marlee welcomed son Theo Thompson in December 2021. One month later, Tristan was confirmed to be Theo’s father and apologized to Khloe on social media for the “heartache and humiliation” he caused her.
5. Gottman couple predicts divorce by studying 40,000 couples
Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman studied more than 40,000 couples about to begin couples therapy. They have also been happily married to each other for 35 years. According to their research, one of the biggest determining factors to predict if a marriage would last was how often a couple “turned toward” their partner instead of “turning away.” When a couple turns toward each other, they make and respond to “bids for connection.” Bids can range from little things, like trying to catch your attention by calling out your name, to big things, like asking for deeper needs to be met.The happiest couples are savvy enough to notice when their partner is making a bid, and drop what they’re doing, if necessary, to engage.
