Don’t discount the value of a heartfelt “thank you” for Valentines Day

Not sure what to give your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day this year? Flowers, chocolate and spa days are nice, but don’t discount the value of a heartfelt “thank you.” That’s especially true for married couples, according to University of Georgia researcher and Owens Institute Grantsmanship Development Program participant, Allen W. Barton. “One of the best things you can give your spouse is a compliment,” said Barton.

A study, conducted by Barton in 2015, found that feelings of gratitude boosted marital satisfaction, commitment and stability, especially during difficult times. In the study, couples who had mismatched and counterproductive styles of conflict — the kind where one spouse would bring up everything wrong, while the other went quiet and withdrew — could withstand the dysfunction with something called “perceived gratitude.”

Barton offered guidance for bringing gratitude and appreciation into your relationship. Read it here.