Humility & Relationships

 When feeling insecure about ourselves or our relationships, we may try to overcompensate – to show our partners how smart, competent, or attractive we are.  A recent study of intimate relationships reveals, however, the significant association between humility and relationship happiness (Dwiwardani et al 2018).
 
The study included participants from the US and India who were in exclusive romantic relationships of at least three months duration. The results showed that perceiving one’s partner as humble significantly predicted relationship satisfaction. The opposite was found as well: Being perceived as superior negatively predicted one’s partner’s relational satisfaction.     Other virtues such as forgiveness, gratitude, and relationship commitment were also found to be associated with perceived humility.     
 
The study provides evidence for how having an accurate view of oneself can be protective for relationships as opposed to self-enhancing. Acknowledging one’s own shortcomings can help repair conflicts and strengthen the relationship bond. So too can acknowledging the virtues of one’s partner, such as appreciating their humility.
​
***
Inspiring Story ….
 
Dennis Frandsen, a successful Midwest banker, has twice paid for the full community college education of an entire graduating class in his hometown in Wisconsin. Owner of manufacturing companies and banks across several states, Frandsen never went to college himself. He reports wanting to help local youth come out of college without any debt.
 
Check it out:
http://www.startribune.com/rush-city-business-owner-offers-to-pay-for-college-for-local-high-school-seniors/478459893/
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/banker-picks-up-college-tuition-for-schools-entire-graduating-class-again/

---