Relationships are one of the key contributors to a flourishing life. Studies consistently find that individuals who are happily married or in a long-term committed relationship experience better health and increased longevity.

So, how do we create flourishing relationships and reap powerful well-being effects?

Many relationships are far from flourishing—and some are downright miserable. Others, while not necessarily unhealthy, may not be thriving. Instead, they feel stagnant. Many people refer to this situation as the “roommate syndrome,” where partners feel a lack of physical and emotional intimacy and feel more like cohabitants than romantic partners.

No amount of flowers, chocolate, or champagne—on Valentine’s Day or any day—is going to magically flip a switch and transform a so-so relationship into a flourishing partnership.

So, what can we do instead?

Here are six evidence-based actions we can take to strengthen our relationship—not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day:

Flourishing marriages aren’t defined by the absence of conflict, but rather by the presence of positivity— expressed through warmth, affection, and appreciation. An abundance of research shows that positivity helps couples broaden how they think and communicate. Positivity also acts as a buffer against stress and helps couples bounce back from adversity.

We must intentionally practice positivity rather than leaving positive emotions to chance. Early in a relationship, positive emotions arise naturally and abundantly. Over time, however, it’s normal for them to diminish. We can’t expect them to occur at the same frequency and intensity as they did in the beginning.

Instead, leading emotion researcher........

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