Recall those profound connections in your life—a time when each day brimmed with renewed potential. It felt as if you had awakened to a transformed self and a vibrant world, creating an exhilarating yet slightly disconcerting experience.

This isn’t just nostalgia; research indicates that our most fulfilling relationships, be they romantic or platonic, embody a dynamic sense of personal growth. We’re drawn to partners who broaden our perspectives and encourage us to realize our full potential. To maintain a lasting love, continual nurturing of this growth is essential.

This concept, known as self-expansion theory, was first articulated by Arthur Aron and Elaine Aron from Stony Brook University in 1986. They later explored this theory by asking students to describe themselves in detail, leading to findings that those who partnered during the study often expressed increasingly varied self-descriptions. Their partners helped reveal dimensions of identity that may have otherwise remained hidden.

These revelations were not limited to informal reflections; formal psychological assessments showed that budding relationships enhanced self-esteem and self-efficacy, key indicators of personal growth.

Recent research on self-expansion has accelerated significantly over the past decade, examining its impact across diverse communities, including the LGBTQ+ community. In every scenario, increased feelings of personal growth correlated with amplified passion, commitment, desire, and overall relationship satisfaction.

Self-expansion may even influence the longevity of relationships. Various factors can lead to a breakup, but Brent Mattingly and colleagues at Ursinus College discovered that young couples reporting greater self-expansion at the study’s outset were less likely to consider splitting up within nine months. Conversely, studies have shown that those with lower self-expansion levels were more prone to contemplate infidelity.

The neurobiological effects of self-expansion were underscored in a study from Renmin University of China, which confirmed that individuals experiencing significant self-expansion exhibited synchronized neural activity patterns with their partners, indicating shared cognitive experiences.

Strategies for Growing Together as a Couple

Couples can foster self-expansion through various methods. Engaging in meaningful conversations exposes partners to new perspectives and insights, while mutual encouragement pushes each individual toward previously unimagined challenges. For instance, without my partner’s support, I might never have pursued writing a novel or launching a startup.

As a couple, when life paths intertwine, you may start perceiving yourselves as a unified entity. By sharing resources, your partner’s creativity can inspire you, leading to the phenomenon known as the “inclusion of others into the self.” For example, if my partner is an artist, I may feel more creatively inclined during our companionship. My passion for environmental sustainability could motivate them to adopt greener habits. Together, we discover new facets of our identities.

Lastly, shared experiences create opportunities for new hobbies and adventures, enriching your relationship.

These dimensions can rekindle love and provide strategies for sustaining that emotional spark. For instance, engaging in profound conversations deepens understanding of one another. Interestingly, the Aarons formulated the popular “36 Questions for Falling in Love,” as featured in a New York Times article. Participants explored topics such as:

• Do you have a secret premonition about how you will die?
• What is too serious to joke about?
• What is your most cherished memory?

Couples engaging in these discussions reported increased intimacy in a single hour compared to those involved in casual chatter. (For more details, check here, published on UC Berkeley’s esteemed Greater Good in Action site). It might seem challenging to delve deeper in an established relationship, but studies suggest that we often overestimate our familiarity with close ones. Taking the time to discover their thoughts and feelings can reveal surprising insights.

Additionally, elevate your shared experiences by exploring new locations and engaging in exciting activities. Research by Cheryl Harasimczak and colleagues at Carleton University found that couples who enjoyed novel and exciting date nights reported increased feelings of self-expansion, enhancing closeness and sexual attraction. Finding new experiences that push each of you beyond your comfort zones—whether that be wine tasting or stargazing—can be invigorating.

While this discourse focuses on self-expansion in romantic contexts, its advantages extend to solo pursuits as well. A recent study by Emine Yucel and Duygu Dincer at Istanbul Aydin University revealed that self-expansion can enrich platonic friendships. Regardless of whether you have a partner to motivate you, opportunities for growth await.

This Valentine’s Day, why not open yourself to new adventures? Sharing experiences with a loving partner enhances enjoyment, but you can initiate your journey independently.