When you’re having a particularly grueling day, you may feel less committed to your partner compared to a more relaxed day, according to University of Arizona researchers. After surveying 328 people (164 couples) about their daily hassles, relationship satisfaction, closeness, and commitment, along with the daily sacrifices they made for their partner (read: picking up your husband’s socks), they found that people felt more committed to their partners when they made more small sacrifices, according to a study to be published later this year in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. But under one condition: they weren’t stressed that day. After a hard day, these same couples felt less satisfied in their relationship and less close to their partner. “Making small changes in your daily routine to accommodate your partner is a way to show that you’re invested in the relationship, and that you want it to continue,” says study author Casey Totenhagen, PhD. But if you’ve had one of those never ending days, “it might feel like one more thing on your plate, instead of an investment in your relationship.” Unfortunately, your stress may not disappear. But if you’ve had a hard day, try to leave the laundry for tomorrow, or order takeout instead of cooking. “Make sacrifices when you’re not already feeling stressed,” says Totenhagen. Also, remember to take note of your partner’s contributions: “Other studies suggest that people don’t recognize the positive things their partners do,” Totenhagen adds. So, snap out of it! “Acknowledging all the good things your partner does, rather than focusing on the negativity of your day, can keep your relationship strong.” More from Prevention: Soak Away Your Stress
