#Couples

In a time when romantic relationships are often tested by busy schedules and constant digital distraction, a psychologist’s take on the single most important habit to keep love alive is both simple and surprisingly powerful: put in intentional effort every day, from both partners, and keep dating life with each other as a everyday practice. The lead story from Forbes centers on a long-running question in love, drawing from a large study of nearly 800 couples. It finds that when both spouses invest more effort into the relationship, happiness climbs and the fear of divorce recedes. Crucially, what matters most are ordinary, everyday actions rather than grand, one-off gestures. A telling moment from the piece comes from a participant who describes a meal shared after a long day: “I made dinner and (partner) came home. It was lovely to see him. We had a hug and chatted about our day. … What more could I want? After dinner (partner) put a song on he likes and we danced which was funny.” That small scene encapsulates the core idea: love endures through consistent acts of care that fit naturally into daily life.

A psychologist emphasizes three practical, science-informed steps couples can use to help their partner feel truly seen in daily life. The advice centers on attunement, validation, and consistent warmth. In a world where busy schedules and constant distractions pull couples apart, these small, intentional acts can deepen connection and reduce conflict. The lead suggests that feeling seen isn’t about grand gestures alone; it’s about daily moments when a partner is noticed, understood, and valued. For Thai readers, where family harmony and respectful communication are cherished, these ideas arrive at a timely moment for couples seeking steadier, more loving partnerships.

A new popular article urges couples to build a simple daily habit.
The habit is to share small moments of laughter together. (Forbes) (Forbes article)

The piece draws on a 2015 academic study.
That study finds shared laughter predicts relationship quality and closeness. (Shared laughter study)

This news matters to Thai readers for three reasons.
First, Thai families remain central to social life and wellbeing.
Second, rising divorce and family stress affect children and communities.
Third, small daily habits can be practical in busy Thai lives.

A new wave of research suggests intimate relationships may boost men’s awareness of sexism and gender discrimination more effectively than abstract education alone. The study, published in a leading psychology journal, shows that conversations with romantic partners can foster empathy and recognition of systemic gender issues, offering a promising path for Thailand’s push toward genuine gender equity.

In Thailand’s evolving social landscape, personal connections are proving powerful enough to challenge deeply held biases. The findings come as the country tackles workplace pay gaps, leadership diversity, and everyday sexism. The research points to private partner conversations as a starting point for broader cultural change, particularly when traditional hierarchies intersect with modern calls for equality.

A groundbreaking new study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior has revealed that couples experience synchronized surges of the hormone oxytocin—often called the “love hormone”—in the 40 minutes following sexual activity. This discovery, which relied on data from couples engaging in sex in the privacy of their own homes, offers fresh scientific insight into how intimacy biologically strengthens bonds within romantic relationships, and raises intriguing possibilities for understanding relationship satisfaction in modern Thai society.

New research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior reveals that couples experience synchronized rises in oxytocin, the love hormone, in the 40 minutes after sex. The study was conducted with couples in their own homes, offering a fresh look at how intimacy biologically strengthens bonds in romantic relationships. For Thai audiences, the findings resonate with ongoing conversations about relationship well-being in health education and public discourse.

Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It is linked to emotional closeness, trust, and social bonding. Unlike earlier laboratory studies, this research captured hormonal shifts in private, real-world settings. Couples performed intimate activity in familiar environments, while saliva samples were collected at four time points: before sex, immediately after, 20 minutes later, and 40 minutes later. The sample included 49 mixed-sex couples in monogamous relationships, ages 18 to 31, with diverse backgrounds, primarily recruited from the United States. Results showed that overall oxytocin did not spike dramatically, but patterns differed by gender and became synchronized between partners at 20 and 40 minutes after sex.

Everyday actions shape not just love, but the resilience of Thai families facing modern pressures. A recent feature by a psychology expert highlights micro-behaviors—tiny, often overlooked acts—that strengthen connection and endure stress. For a Thai audience, these insights translate into practical steps that fit local values and daily life.

In Thailand, grand gestures grab attention, but lasting bonds hinge on daily exchanges. How we ask questions, manage emotions, and acknowledge a partner’s growth sets the tone for harmony. Thai culture values family cohesion, indirect communication, and emotional self-control, making these micro-behaviors especially relevant as society changes. Steady relationship skills help couples blend tradition with transformation.

In today’s fast-paced world, relationships are often tested by the pressures of daily life, misunderstandings, and the ever-evolving nature of personal growth. A new article by psychologist Mark Travers, published on Forbes on July 19, 2025, spotlights the profound influence of “micro-behaviors”—tiny, often-overlooked actions that hold the power to transform how couples connect and thrive over time. These seemingly simple habits, backed by compelling research, could represent the building blocks for happier, more enduring partnerships, with important implications for Thai families and couples striving for harmony.

A new wave of psychological research reveals that while money may not buy happiness, using it to reclaim time for your loved ones might be the closest thing to a shortcut. A series of recent studies suggest that for busy couples, investments in services that free up precious hours—like food delivery or hiring cleaners—can be transformed into deeper relationship satisfaction, especially when that time is spent together in meaningful ways. This insight offers a powerful cultural lesson for urban Thai families struggling to maintain intimacy amidst ever-rising work and life demands.

A new study suggests money can’t buy happiness, but spending to reclaim time with loved ones can boost relationship satisfaction. This insight resonates with Thai couples who juggle work, commutes, and family duties in fast-paced cities.

In Thai culture, family and partnership are highly valued. The findings encourage a practical shift: invest resources to unlock quality moments with loved ones rather than pursuing financial success alone. The result could be deeper bonds and greater fulfillment.

A new study from McGill University shows that couples who share a common worldview experience less uncertainty and greater life satisfaction than those who do not. The research suggests that seeing the world through a similar lens helps build stronger, more resilient relationships beyond love or support alone.

For Thai readers, where family and close relationships are central, these findings reinforce enduring values while offering fresh guidance for long-term happiness in a fast-changing society. The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, analyzed data from nearly 1,300 adults in North America. Across five studies using lab tasks, online surveys, and controlled experiments, researchers found that couples who align in their interpretation of events report lower environmental uncertainty and a deeper sense of meaning in work and life.

In a striking new development, recent Iranian research has suggested that depression and anxiety may be “contagious” between romantic partners—not simply due to shared circumstances, but through the exchange of mouth bacteria during intimate interactions such as kissing. The study, published in the journal Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine and widely reported by StudyFinds, offers a fresh biological perspective on why couples often mirror each other’s moods and mental health (studyfinds.org).

A provocative study from Iran suggests that depression and anxiety may spread between romantic partners beyond shared circumstances. The research points to the exchange of mouth bacteria during intimate moments like kissing as a potential pathway. The findings, published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, have sparking discussions about how mood can be influenced within intimate relationships.

Why this matters for Thai readers: Mental health is a growing priority in Thailand, with rising rates of depression across age groups. Understanding how relationships and daily habits impact well-being could inform more holistic approaches to care. Thai families often share close daily routines and meals, making the concept of mutual influence particularly relevant.

A recent study from Penn State reveals how PTSD symptoms influence the way couples talk to each other, driven by a fear of intense emotions. The findings show that individuals with PTSD often dread strong feelings, which can lead to more conflict and less constructive dialogue. For Thai readers, the research underscores how trauma and interpersonal dynamics intersect within intimate relationships in a culture that places high value on harmony and family cohesion.