If you're in a relationship, it's a no-brainer to support your partner when they're down — whether it's sickness or work issues, it's your job to provide a shoulder to lean on or moral support to get them through that rough patch. It's even more important, though, to provide that same kind of support when they share good news.

You'd think that when someone experiences something great, they don't need as much external validation. But, reacting excitedly to someone's positive news (in scientific circles, that's known as "capitalization" response, meaning it's characterized by attentiveness, encouragement, and enthusiasm) is associated with more intimacy and marital satisfaction, as well as a lower likelihood of breaking up.

In one study, scientists had 101 couples take turns disclosing important positive events outside their relationship to each other. Afterward, they each completed a questionnaire about their own and their partner's responsiveness; trained observers watched videos to catch "capitalization" responses like "That's so great!" or "Tell me more!" Not surprisingly, the stronger couples were the ones with partners who exhibited more "capitalization" responses.

The point being, one of the easiest ways to strengthen your relationship is just being more responsive. So, next time your partner comes home from work or a night out with the guys and has some good news to share, don't just brush it off with a "cool, babe"—show them how excited you are for them. You can handle pausing the Bachelorette for a few minutes if it's for the good of your relationship, right?


Image Credit: Paula Daniëlse