Showing gratitude is not only beneficial to you as an individual but is also good for those around you. Most people usually underestimate the effects that result when we’re grateful; as a result, it keeps most people from engaging in such behavior. Are you in search of a way to make yourself and those around you feel better? Well, showing a little bit of gratitude does exactly that.
What Kind of Gratitude Are We Talking About?
When we talk about the use of gratitude to build relationships, we’re not just referring to the use of the word “thank you.” It goes far beyond that. Gratitude, in this case, refers to appreciating the small things that the other person does for you and reciprocating it. Be thankful that the other person is thoughtful enough to think of you.
In a nutshell, gratitude means that you get to think of other people’s best traits. This helps you to value their presence in your life.
Does Lack Of Gratitude Cause Relationship Failure?
Taking people for granted causes the relationship that you have with them to fail. It doesn’t really matter the type of relationship – it could be professional, romantic, or family. Gratitude makes a huge difference in how we relate with others. It could make or break a relationship; it’s the reason why some relationships thrive while others fail. Since taking people for granted is the poison in most relationships, we could think of gratitude as the antidote.
Over the past decade or so, numerous research studies have been conducted to highlight the many benefits that we reap from embracing gratitude. One of the greatest benefits is that gratitude helps us create, grow, and hold onto our relationships.
Generally, when you practice gratitude the relationship with those around you will be stronger and will last longer. On the other hand, if you take others for granted, the relationship between you will be short-lived.
But How Does Gratitude Help Relationships Thrive?
Being grateful will help your relationships thrive by promoting a cycle of generosity. Usually, when one person does something for the other person, the recipient is prompted to think of ways reciprocating; either by being grateful through their words or actions. As a result, there’s a strong desire for both parties to hold onto the relationship. This cycle takes place in four important steps as discussed below:
Step 1: Both parties feel grateful and want to hold onto the relationship
When a person is grateful, they’re able to see their partner’s importance in the relationship and so they value them more. When we value someone, we tend to hold onto them and don’t want to lose them. It has also been proven that people who appreciate their partners in relationships have more feelings of commitment to the relationship. This not only happens on a particular day but over a long period. So it’s quite clear that gratitude is associated with the psychological motivation to maintain the relationship.
Step 2: Both parties actually put in work into the relationship
On top of feeling motivated to hold onto the relationship, a grateful person has other behaviors that contribute to a longer-lasting relationship. For example, the person will always be thoughtful of their partner and be responsive to his/her needs. It’s also worth noting that if you’re more grateful for your partner you will be more caring towards them and be a more attentive listener. All these factors are very important in holding a relationship together. Studies have proven that these behaviors also promote intimacy in a relationship which plays a huge role in ensuring that the relationship stays intact.
Step 3: Both parties feel appreciated
This is where all the good stuff happens. Realizing how much your partner values you makes you see how important you are to them and you, therefore, act accordingly. Feeling valued and appreciated causes you to signal those same feelings towards your partner who also ends up feeling valued and appreciated.
Step 4: The relationship is maintained
Generally speaking, an appreciated partner is a grateful partner. When both of you feel valued and appreciated in the relationship, you will want to stay and keep the relationship. Gratitude causes both parties to focus on the relationship and always come up with new ways of maintaining it. The cycle of gratitude and generosity continues and the relationship continues with it.
Showing Gratitude In A Relationship
We cannot overemphasize the importance of cultivating gratitude in your relationship. Most relationships end when either party or both of them neglect their partner. That is the beginning of all problems: the frustrations and disappointments become so overwhelming that they decide to call it quits.
No matter how busy a person is, they always find time from their busy work schedule to take care of their personal needs. Click To TweetWhen you’re in a relationship and want it to work out, you need to squeeze in time to give attention to your partner. Otherwise, the relationship won’t be as fulfilling. One way of creating a loving and honest relationship is by cultivating gratitude.
Conclusion
Normally, gratitude works if the relationship is healthy and both of you actually want to maintain it that way. Do not try to hold on to an abusive relationship (physically or emotionally) hoping that a time will come when the other person will value and appreciate all that you do for them. You will end up feeling neglected and eventually become resentful. Before setting out on this journey, sit down and reflect on the relationship. Put yourself first and focus on boosting your own positive feelings about yourself, your partner, and the relationship in general.
Always count your blessings in life and share your feelings of gratitude with another person. In the end, the other person will see that they play an important role in your life. As a result, they will maximize their efforts to make you even happier. When they see you happy, they’re also happy – it’ll be a win-win situation.
