Components of a Healthy Relationship
We value our close relationships, and we want them to last. We can keep our relationships healthy and going strong by using prosocial maintenance behaviors. These behaviors include positivity, humor, openness and routine talk, assurances, supportiveness, social networking, task sharing, joint activities, romance and affection, and constructive conflict management. In a study conducted by Weigel and Ballard-Reisch, it was discovered that married couples who use higher levels of prosocial maintenance behaviors, are more likely to be satisfied with their relationships (Page 223).
The first of these, positivity, sounds easy enough. We all know how to be positive. What we do not realize however, is how much negativity we do incorporate in our relationships. On Operah.com, an article describes a married couple who agreed to cut out all negativity from their relationship, the effort that it took, and the results of joy and commitment. Humor, inside jokes, and things that make both partners laugh is another aspect to relationship maintenance.
Openness and Routine talk not only involves being honest and direct with one another, but also engaging in everyday conversations such as asking how one's day has been. Assurances are also important verbal communication in relationships. Telling the other person about how much you care about them, and discussing your future together reminds them of you commitment. Supportiveness such as sacrifices and comfort also show devotion and commitment.
Even though most of us are connected with our close friends and significant others on facebook, when used as a prosocial maintenance behavior, social networking refers to the time spent with each other's friends and families. Belonging not just to each other, but to each other's social circles is a large part of a healthy relationship. Likewise, sharing join activites such as hanging out, or going to events keeps the relationship enjoyable. Task sharing, or working together on things such as chores or finances shows that each partner is committed and willing to share not only in the fun, but in the work. In a separate study on prosocial maintenance in the work place, 88% of the participants reported using task sharing (Page 35).
Romance and affection is also crucial in a close relationship. Valuing a partner with surprises, flowers, and romantic evenings is yet another way to show someone that you care. Lastly, efficient conflict management through listening, problem-solving, or compromising also helps maintain a healthy relationship. All relationships have conflict, how people deal with that conflict could help the relationship, or damage it.
The more that people engage in these prosocial maintenance behaviors, the more committed they are in their relationships and the more satisfied they are. Positivity, humor, oppenness and routine talk, assurances, supportiveness, social networking, joint activities, task sharing, romance, and conflict management are these prosocial maintenance behaviors that can keep your relationship healthy or restore it.
Works Cited:
Newman L. (2013) "The One Thing You Need to Do to Save Your Marriage"
Weigel D., Ballard-Reisch D. (2008) "Relational Maintenance, Satisfaction and Commitment in Marriages: An Actor-Partner Analysis", Journal of Family Communication [serial online]. July 2008;8(3):212-229
Madlock P., Booth-Butterfield M. (2012) "The Influence of Relational Maintenance Strategies Among Coworkers", Journal of Business Communication. 49(1), 21-47.
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