Soothing behaviors help create meaningful bonds

What would you think is the most important ingredient to a satisfying relationship? Some might speculate that it is passion, trust or even material support. While these are all important in a relationship, perhaps the most often overlooked main ingredient is "soothing."

Soothing refers to interactions that couples share which calm them and help them feel good about each other. Feelings often associated with soothing include contentment, satisfaction, peace and safety. Soothing behaviors help to create a meaningful bond that transcends many of the other aspects of relationships, and they also help couples cope with stress.

Of...