Chapter 14: Maintaining and repairing relationships Flashcards
What traditional expectations may hinder the effectiveness of men as long-term partners?
Traditional expectations of assertiveness and self-reliance in men may hinder their effectiveness in long-term relationships.
How do physical looks matter in attracting potential partners?
- Physical looks matter in attracting potential partners.
- Men’s deficiency in nonverbal communication is correlated with dissatisfaction in close relationships.
- Partners often misinterpret each other’s messages, and negative interactions have a more significant impact than positive ones.
What challenges exist in intimate relationships?
- Physical looks matter in attracting potential partners.
- Men’s deficiency in nonverbal communication is correlated with dissatisfaction in close relationships.
- Partners often misinterpret each other’s messages, and negative interactions have a more significant impact than positive ones.
What are some optimistic factors in relationships?
- About one-third of men can be warm, tender, sensitive, and kind, challenging traditional stereotypes.
- Happy partners perceive each other generously, using positive illusions and considering their relationships superior.
- Interdependence and affectionate friendship replace passion in maintaining relationships over time.
- Authentic forgiveness in satisfying relationships benefits both partners.
How do committed individuals maintain their relationships cognitively?
- Committed individuals perceive themselves as part of a greater whole, demonstrating cognitive interdependence.
- Positive illusions and idealization help partners overlook faults and maintain positive evaluations of each other.
- Committed partners believe their relationships are better than most, reducing the likelihood of seeking alternatives.
How do committed individuals maintain their relationships behaviorally?
- Committed individuals make personal sacrifices to promote partner well-being, from trivial costs to substantial sacrifices.
- Prayer for partner success and well-being correlates with increased satisfaction and commitment in relationships.
What role does hope and effort play in relationships?
- Despite challenges, wisdom and effort can lead to lasting, thriving relationships.
- Knowledge about close relationships empowers individuals to prevent and overcome problems.
- Mechanisms for protecting and maintaining satisfaction in relationships exist, allowing for the resolution of difficulties.
What does the Michelangelo phenomenon refer to?
- Partners supporting each other’s personal development enhances both relationships and individual well-being.
- The Michelangelo phenomenon refers to partners helping each other become the individuals they aspire to be.
What is accommodation, and what role does self-control play in relationships?
- Accommodation involves tolerating minor mistreatment from partners without responding in kind.
- Self-control plays a crucial role in relationship maintenance by refraining from negative responses, promoting sacrifice, and aiding forgiveness.
- Self-control is associated with fewer instances of intimate partner violence and more sacrifices that benefit partners.
How do play and novelty contribute to relationship satisfaction?
- Engaging in novel, challenging, exciting, and pleasant activities together enhances relationship satisfaction.
- Couples who play together are more content, and maintaining a sense of novelty in activities is beneficial for relationships.
- Rituals and playful activities contribute to relationship satisfaction.
What strategies do contented partners use to maintain relationships?
- Contented partners employ various strategies to foster positivity, encourage openness, provide assurances of love and commitment, share social networks, share household tasks equitably, and spend quality time together.
- These strategies enhance intimacy and promote fondness and commitment in relationships.
- Positivity, assurances, and sharing tasks are identified as the most crucial predictors of relationship happiness.
How do maintenance mechanisms require ongoing effort for long-term relationship satisfaction?
- The Michelangelo phenomenon, accommodation, and self-control require ongoing effort for long-term relationship satisfaction.
- Couples need to consistently engage in relationship maintenance activities to sustain contentment.
- Acts of kindness and positive behaviors lose their effectiveness if not consistently maintained.
What cautionary notes are there for maintaining relationships?
- Acts of kindness on special occasions have short-lived effects if not consistently practiced.
- Long-term relationship satisfaction requires continuous effort, and occasional breaks from positive behaviors can lead to a decline in contentment.
- The importance of self-control in maintaining routine positive behaviors and sustaining relationship well-being.
How is repairing relationships compared to car care?
- Comparison of relationship maintenance to car care.
- DIY approach: Solving relationship problems independently.
- Professional help: Analogous to seeking professional car repair.
What are some issues with popular relationship advice?
- Caution about popular relationship advice.
- Issues with unqualified advice givers.
- Example: Critique of “The Rules” book.
- Importance of evidence-based advice.