Can positive psychology improve my relationship with my partner?

There is some evidence that applying principles from positive psychology can enhance relationships. Engaging in flow experiences (being fully involved in an activity) together, for example, may lead to more positive feelings for each other, according to a study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology that used the technique of experience sampling. In this study, couples were beeped at random intervals and reported on their activity, mood, and satisfaction and closeness in their relationship. The researchers found that the way couples spend their time together influences the quality of their relationship. Watching television was pretty neutral, not making couples feel any better or worse about their relationship. In contrast, pursuing more flow-inviting activities as a couple—such as sailing, hiking, learning a new skill together, or other active leisure (including sex)—led to more positive feelings about the relationship, which lasted for more than five hours after the activity ended

In a follow-up laboratory study at Western Washington University in which couples solved word puzzles together, the tasks with a flow-inviting balance of skill and challenge (the couple could successfully complete them, but it took work) made the couples feel better about their relationships than working on a puzzle that was too easy or too hard.