Psychologist Dr John Gottman discovered that there is a specific ratio between the amount of positivity and negativity in a stable relationship. His magic ratio is five positive interactions for every negative one.

Even though some negativity is necessary to help air issues and voice differences, positive behaviours are what nourish and build the love in a relationship.

Think for a moment about how the two of you have been interacting over the last year. What, if anything, needs to change to create a healthy 5:1 ratio?

Sarah Abell is an author, speaker and coach, who specialises in helping people live, love and lead authentically. She is the founder of nakedhedgehogs.com. To buy her LifeLabs Practical Wisdom online course How to Save Your Relationship, please click here. You can try a free 3-day taster trial first too.

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Watch Psychologies' editor Suzy Greaves interview Sarah Abell on How to love more in 2015 on LifeLabs

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