Being in a healthy,lasting relationshipis a beautiful thing, but it’s not a simple one.

Communication is a core piece in successful relationships.

Listening to your partner’s wants and needs and taking them into account is just as important.

A couple laughing and drinking coffee

It’s prosocial behavior, which means it’s an altruistic action.

It can feel like a big, daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.

For example, your partner wants Italian food, you want Mexican food, you choose what they want.

Couple looking at a laptop

When both partners prioritize one another’s needs and the relationship in general, positive results usually emerge.

Reciprocal sacrifice can help deepen trust, emotional connection, and intimacy, leading to stronger relationships.

The key factor is that each partner willingly sacrifices.

Couple eating sushi

With societal gender roles and expectations, women tend to sacrifice more.

“In sum, they may especially experience the costs and very little of the benefits.”

thinking about how your partner will feel after receiving it.