No relationship is free of conflict, but a successful marriage hinges on balancing positive and negative interactions. Dr. John Gottman, a bestselling author and renowned psychologist, has extensively studied what makes relationships thrive and discovered a principle known as the 5:1 ratio, or the magic ratio. This ratio suggests that for every negative interaction, such as criticism, defensiveness, dismissiveness, or even passive-aggressive body language like eye-rolling, there should be five or more positive interactions to keep the relationship healthy and resilient.

The 5:1 ratio works “magically” because it creates a buffer of positivity that helps couples navigate conflicts more effectively. Positive interactions—such as showing appreciation, expressing love, sharing laughter, and offering support—act as deposits in the emotional bank account of the relationship. These deposits........

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