Building a healthy relationship

We should, that is, start new relationships with a sense of purpose, really thinking about what we want and need, and if the person we are dating is truly likely to align with those wants and needs - and we with theirs.

Profs Overall and McNulty suggest that it is crucial for couples first to evaluate the context in which the conflict has arisen in order to decide how best to address it. When a serious issue is at stake, the researchers explain, it is important for both partners to express their opposing views and negotiate the direction of change.

Research shows that couples who participate in fun activities together may also find it easier to stay together. Karen Melton, PhD, and her colleagues - who conducted the board games study - note that, for a couple’s activity to lead to the spike in oxytocin, it likely should involve interaction between the partners.

The takeaway? Doing fun things, ideally in new, unfamiliar surroundings, might help maintain relationship quality.

Although spending quality time with your loved ones is essential, it is at least as important to spend quality time on our own - and allow partners to do the same.

‘A healthy relationship is a bit like breathing in and then breathing out,' Psaila explained.

While couples are starting their relationship in the honeymoon phase, the partners will shower each other with affection and words of appreciation. As time goes on, partners may start taking each other for granted and forget to show the same kind of admiration they once did.

Expressing your appreciation of your significant other is a safe bet when it comes to maintaining relationship quality.