Interaction of Close Relationships

"The interaction between partners [is] the essence of all close relationships... " -Rusbult, Drigotas, Verette, 1994

Whatever the content of a discussion close relationships require reciprocated attention at any level. It is not always necessary a correlation of more closeness equals more interaction. The quality of interaction enhances the quality of closeness. 

High's Lift The Lows

"The couple's everyday moments contribute to positive affect during conflict." -Driver & Gottman, 2004

Having a close relationship during good times (high's) can help minimize negative feelings during hardships (lows). Maintaining a warm relationship together through day-to-day routine may ease feelings of tense anger when a disagreement arises. Affect, or emotion, can be better controlled by each spouse and conflict can therefore be managed without hurting one another, and quickly resolving an issue successfully, increasing marital satisfaction.

Parents Investment

..."Parents sacrifice opportunities to experience personal self-efficacy for the sake of their offspring." -Aron & Aron 1997

Misunderstood by outsiders and often misunderstood by children, especially adolescents’, parents sacrifice can bring them as much satisfaction or even more than what the children receive by their sacrifice. Putting your children first will benefit them in many ways especially later in life when they can come to understand your time, attention, resources, and love was given for their sake.

Selflessness is important for families to be happy. A balance must be met to prevent over-privileging children (e.g. spoiled) but the most simplistic gesture of love from parents comes from sacrifice of any kind.