In the world of relationship science, quite a few studies are showing how a specific type of experience between two people is crucial to satisfying relationships and individual moments of human connection. Researchers call this experience a *feedback*.
Consider the following scenario:
"During this period, I suffered a lot emotionally because of my anxiety. One night, my husband called me on his way home from work and I burst into tears. I explained that I needed him more than ever. He listened to everything I said. He told me that he understood me. I was only comforted by the fact that I had someone willing to listen to my feelings.”
When the other person understands and cares about you – especially after you share something personal or emotional with them, psychologists call this responsiveness*.
Responsiveness – The quality of responding quickly and positively
Study after study shows that treating each other this way keeps our social lives healthy. Researchers have examined the response among romantic partners, roommates, strangers, parents, and teenagers, among others, and have found that experiencing understanding, approval, and care in most types of relationships has measurable benefits—for the relationship itself and for the two individuals.
This kind of behavior especially helps us to cultivate closeness and trust with each other. This is essential for a quality long-term relationship and for personal mental health.
In fact, people who think their romantic partners are more willing to respond positively experience better long-term physical health. This is likely because such a partner helps us manage stress, while the opposite would keep us stressed.
To the internship!
We should neither expect to give nor receive perfect feedback. Even if two people find it easy to convey mutual understanding and care, it is human for them to err somewhere.
Human connection is an ever-evolving practice in each of our relationships, not a puzzle with a perfect solution. What matters is our honest efforts to be there for each other day in and day out.
Burimi: Psychology Today
