You're doing a great job! Research on couple relationships shows that high levels of “relationship effort” are a key part of loving and lasting relationships. Experts define relationship effort by how much mental energy and time commitment romantic partners give to their relationships in relation to other parts of their lives. In most cases, this pattern is a real strength for a couple and means that you make intentional efforts to spend time together and pay attention to the level of connection in your relationship. Occasionally, high levels of mental energy and time commitment occur when couples are dealing with conflict. But, even in these cases it is a good sign that partners are engaging with each other rather than withdrawing from the issues. Couples at all stages of their relationship benefit from intentional efforts to strengthen, maintain, and repair their relationship. Your patterns show that you have embraced this truth about relationships and your relationship is likely benefitting from your intentional efforts.

Research on couple relationships shows that high levels of “relationship effort” are a key part of loving and lasting relationships. Experts define relationship effort by how much mental energy and time commitment romantic partners give to their relationships in relation to other parts of their lives. Your responses indicate you are in a “neglected relationship.” In most cases, this pattern is a bit of a red flag for a couple and means that you need to make renewed efforts to spend time together and pay greater attention to the level of connection in your relationship. Occasionally, low levels of mental energy and time commitment occur when couples are dealing with conflict and may be withdrawing from the issues. In some situations, unique life circumstances like taking on a new job or become new parents, can temporarily reduce the focus you put on your relationship. In these cases, couples typically benefit from striving to turn toward each other, rather than away from each other in addressing their troubles and stresses. Whatever the cause of your lower levels of relationship effort, research shows that couples at all stages of their relationship benefit from intentional efforts to strengthen, maintain, and repair their relationship. Your patterns show that this may be an area of needed attention for you. Make the goal to create some simple ways for you and your partner to spend more time together each week – your relationship will benefit from creating some ways for you and your partner to come together and nurture your relationship.

Research on couple relationships shows that high levels of “relationship effort” are a key part of loving and lasting relationships. Experts define relationship effort by how much mental energy and time commitment romantic partners give to their relationships in relation to other parts of their lives. Your responses show you are in an “interrupted relationship.” This mean means that you are relatively low in the amount of time you are able to give to it. In most cases, this pattern occurs when couples are experiencing a busy schedule that pulls their time commitments in several different directions. Whether it’s work, parenting, or caring for your parent, your relationship is being squeezed out more than you’d like. Whatever other commitments are crowding out your relationship, research shows that couples at all stages of their relationship benefit from intentional efforts to strengthen, maintain, and repair their relationship. Your patterns show that this may be an area of needed attention for you. Make the goal to create some simple ways for you and your partner to spend more time together each week – your relationship will benefit from creating some ways for you and your partner to come together and nurture your relationship.