Make your marriage last forever with two little words

While there's no set in stone definition on how to have a successful marriage and every marriage is different, a new study suggests couples who encompass a specific trait have more success with a happy marriage.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - These couples are grateful. They appreciate one another and, more importantly, they acknowledge the little things done by the other.

Regularly taking a moment out of a busy day to say "thank you," and let your partner know you are thankful for small acts of kindness, be it folding the laundry or recording a favorite television show, can make both parties in the relationship feel complete and satisfied.

Put a smile on your loved one's face with these great gift ideas.

Previous efforts by psychologists in aiding marriages typically focused on the negatives; what was causing the problem or what your partner did that you didn't like.

Psychologists, Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough found a better approach in helping couples find happiness. The effects of gratitude in relationships became more influential in studies.

A troubled, but grateful couple in their study was able to find a better and more optimistic base to their relationship than the others who didn't express gratitude and focused on the negative.

"The more grateful couples were, the more likely they were to still be in the relationship nine months down the road," found Amie Gordon, another psychologist who conducted a similar study.

"My definition of gratitude includes appreciating not just what your partner does, but who they are as a person," expressed Gordon. "You're not just thankful that your partner took out the trash; you're thankful that you have a partner who is thoughtful enough to know you hate taking out the trash."

Happy couples make it seem like being happy and grateful should come natural. Realistically speaking, all relationships take a large amount of work from both sides.

"If you want to make your relationship stronger, and you're willing to put in the effort, gratitude itself can help you and your partner feel happier and more connected," explains Erin Brodwin author for Business Insider. "When someone feels appreciated by their partner, they in turn appreciate the partner more too, creating something of a happy cycle."

One of the main keys to a happy relationship is being happy you have that relationship. Whether it's big or small, be thankful for all your partner does.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'