30 things we learned about love

Hey there... how about a surprise for this Friday? Instead of a mere five things, why not thirty!?!

These aren't from me, but our good friends at the Gottman Institute (well, not that I know them or anything, but we are currently reading/working through their book 'Eight Dates').

I subscribe to a couple of their newletters, and one I usually read is the bi-weekly Marriage Minute email. This came on Tuesday (9/1/26)... for their 30th anniversary of founding of the Institute:

30 things we’ve learned about love in 30 years:

1. Friendship is the foundation of lasting love.

2. Knowing your partner’s inner world matters.

3. Fondness and admiration protect connection.
4. Small moments can make a big difference.
5. Turning towards each other builds trust over time.
6. Happy couples still disagree.
7. How you fight matters more than whether you fight.
8. 69% of relationship problems are ongoing, or perpetual.
9. Not every disagreement needs to be solved.
10. Understanding can be more valuable than agreement.
11. Gentle beginnings lead to better conversations.
12. Criticism attacks the person, not the problem.
13. Defensiveness makes resolution harder.
14. Contempt is extremely damaging to relationships.

15. Shutting down is often a sign of overwhelm, or flooding.
16. A six second kiss can lead to more intimacy.
17. Repair attempts help couples reconnect.
18. Accepting influence strengthens partnership.
19. There are always two perspectives, two viewpoints, two opinions.
20. Trust is built in everyday interactions.
21. Commitment is a choice made again and again.
22. Appreciation should be expressed, not assumed.
23. Emotional intimacy supports physical intimacy.
24. Talking openly about sex leads to better sex.
25. Shared rituals create stability and meaning.
26. There's not one right way to support each other’s dreams.
27. A strong sense of “we” is important for your story.
28. Teamwork and an “us against the problem” mindset matters.
29. Great relationships require intention, not perfection.
30. Lasting love is built through small things often.

 And... there ya go!

Happy Friday!!