Wondering what prepares us to make a strong commitment and work out differences with an intimate partner? And what happens when one person is more committed than the other? u00a0 Six researchersu00a0-- M. Minda Orina of St. Olaf College; W. Andrew Collins, Jeffry A. Simpson, Jessica E. Salvatore, and John S. Kim of the University of Minnesota and Katherine C. Haydon of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaignu00a0-- used the rich mine of data in the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (MLSRA), coupled with a lab procedure, to look for the answers. u00a0 Their findings suggested that supportive, involved mothering in toddlerhood and an ability to work through conflict in adolescence are good predictors of becoming the "strong link" -- the person with the bigger stake -- in adult relationships. If the opposite happened in earlier life, chances are the person will be the "weak link" -- the one with one foot out the door. u00a0 Equally important, though, is what these predictors don't account for: It's good to be prepared for love. But it takes two to tango. u00a0 Interestingly, it's not the partners'' individual commitments that make the most difference in the grace and longevity of the dance. It's how well their levels of commitment match up. Two strong links will be benevolent and tolerant when the going gets rough. Two weak links may be lax about working things out, but their expectations are equally low -- so there''s less friction. u00a0 But when a weak link and a strong link pair up, the one with less investment has more influence -- and stability is the loser. u00a0 The study contributes to our understanding of how we learn to love well. u00a0 When you''re a baby or a teenager, "you are learning to manage your own needs and those of the people you care about," said Orina. u00a0 u00a0"You learn: Can I come forward with a problem? What can I expect of the other person? And how can I do this in a way that everyone wins?," added Orina. u00a0 The study is detailed in the June issue of Psychological Science.

He hasn't been the same since we've had sex!

Wondering what prepares us to make a strong commitment and work out differences with an intimate partner? And what happens when one person is more committed than the other?

Equal commitment is the recipe for long lasting love

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Lifestyle / Relationships / Article / Equal commitment is the recipe for long lasting love

Equal commitment is the recipe for long lasting love

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast