A new study published in Personal Relationships examined the factors protecting couples from marital strain. Marital strain or distress can arise from various relational challenges, including interpersonal differences, financial pressures, balancing caregiver roles, or navigating extended family relationships and major life transitions together.

Researchers found that marital strain can create emotional distance between couples, with their individual emotional experiences influencing each other and impacting the relationship as a whole. Sadly, in the midst of our inner emotional storms, we often forget to turn to each other for support and connection.

However, the findings also suggest that there are two protective factors that can safeguard against marital strain and create an emotionally resilient bond between partners—their emotional intimacy and empathy for one another. In emotionally fulfilling marriages, both partners experience deep emotional satisfaction, connection, and support.

Here are the two signs that your marriage is emotionally fulfilling and resilient through challenges, according to the study.

Emotional intimacy involves a deep sense of closeness and connectedness between partners, characterized by mutual........

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