Of course, the type of ‘health maintenance’ used in the study was a little more complicated than a simple chat. In fact, the study saw couples sit down with a clinician for a relationship ‘check up’, who ensured they did not shy away from ‘minor issues’ they might otherwise brush over. After completing these sessions, the couples were given techniques to deal with the concerns they identified during their sessions.

It’s worth noting that the study was based on married military couples (because of the unique pressures they face), so some of the measurements, such as the strengths and weaknesses used to measure the health of each couple’s relationship, were tailored towards this group.

However, the majority of the measurements the team used to conduct their check-ups – such as how both partners respond to bids for attention, how a couple shows each other compassion, how well they communicate and how safe they feel being vulnerable in front of each other – could work with any kind of relationship.

Healthy relationships: why a quick ‘relationship check-up’ could be exactly what you need