Have you ever considered what kind of relationship you have with your partner? Is harmony particularly important to you or do you not skip a fight? Does passion or friendship rule? What does love mean to you? In short: How do you actually tick as a couple?
According to a new study, the answers to these questions reveal a lot about your chances of being permanently happy with each other. Scientists from the University of Illinois have accompanied around 400 couples in their mid-20s over a nine-month period. They observed typical differences in handling, according to which they developed the following four categories:
1. The proximity-distance pair
A characteristic of this type of couple is a constant ups and downs of feelings. Sometimes the partners feel drawn to each other, then they need distance from each other again. "They often make decisions based on negative experiences or assessments of the relationship," says Brian Ogolsky of the University of Illinois. At the beginning of a new relationship, such couples take great care to spend time separately. "They emphasize their individuality in a way that is rather unusual for newly in love."
2. The love-hate couple
This type of couple is characterized by their passionate feelings, which could also be called love-hate. You can not with, but not without each other. The scraps often fly here. They like to reconcile with sex. But the constant disputes have a negative impact on relationship satisfaction, according to the study.
3. The socially integrated couple
It is typical for this type of couple that they are very socially integrated. The partners share a circle of friends and exchange ideas closely with their friends, including in relation issues. This is good for happiness in love: "Those who have mutual friends feel closer and more closely connected as a couple," says Brian Ogolsky.
4. The couple
It is characteristic of the couple that they make decisions in partnership. The partners respect each other and take care of what is important to the other. The relationship has top priority. "These couples take very good care of each other, they trust each other and are authentic," said Ogolsky.
Relationships that advance
According to the study, the couple (4) has the best chance of lasting happiness from these four types of couples (4). The couples most at risk of separation are those who are connected in love-hate relationship. According to the study, the risk of their love failing is twice as high as that of the other couples. The proximity-distance pairs and the socially integrated couples move between these two poles. The latter are often more stable, although couples who often argue do not necessarily diverge.
The study's hopes that their results will help couples: "The good news is that there are certain types of relationships that move couples more than others," said Brian Ogolsky.