Relationship Expert Reveals the #1 Secret to Lasting Happiness for Couples

Want a happier relationship? A leading relationship expert suggests the secret might be as simple as cleaning together. Dr. Hannah Lawson, a relationship counselor with over 12 years of experience in couples therapy and behavioral psychology, told the Daily Mail that sharing even small, daily chores shows each other you are equals.

Surprisingly, Lawson suggests that small, shared tasks like setting the table or loading the dishwasher can be far more impactful on a relationship than grand romantic gestures.

When one partner, often the woman, is left to handle all the household tasks alone, resentment often builds up in the relationship.

When trivial tasks are performed by two people, it not only empowers a couple to feel like a team working together, but it also serves as an opportunity for two people to have meaningful conversations side-by-side.

“Think of it as a small daily ritual that pays you back with trust, respect and a stronger emotional connection,” the expert told the outlet.

For happiness in a relationship, aside from doing dishes together, a study revealed that moments of silence with your significant other could be a sign of a healthy relationship.

A study in the journal Motivation and Emotion highlights the power of unspoken communication between partners. Its authors note: “Consider two exchanges between romantic partners: They look into each other’s eyes sharing intimacy and mutual understanding, or, a glance instead expresses judgment and displeasure as now they achieve a shared understanding that one partner has let down the other.” They conclude, “In both instances, nothing is said, yet much is communicated.”

To reach this fascinating conclusion, a research team at the University of Reading conducted four distinct studies exploring how silent moments impact relationships. In one study, participants were asked to recall and describe the cause of their most recent silent interaction with their partner.

Another group in the study was asked about silent moments specifically within previous unhealthy relationships. They were also prompted to describe how these silences arose and the emotions they evoked. The responses revealed a clear distinction: malicious or intentional silences generated negative feelings, whereas natural silences were linked to intimacy and closeness.