Romantic relationships are vital for well-being but are often challenged by factors that can gradually erode satisfaction and intimacy. These challenges are particularly evident in the current climate of economic uncertainty and among couples separated due to work, illness, or military service. It is therefore essential to identify effective, accessible strategies that help couples sustain relationship quality. One promising yet underexplored resource is the shared experience of recalling meaningful moments from a couple’s past. This forms the foundation of our 3.5-year research project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). 

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Throughout the project, the Couples Research Group, consisting of researchers at the Universities of Surrey and Southampton, employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods (e.g., daily surveys and interviews) to investigate how couples share memories in their everyday lives and what role these shared recollections might play in their relationships.

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In collaboration with charities, we will develop empirically grounded resources for both couples and practitioners. These resources will support relationship education, counselling, and military family support services. The insights gained from this project may also extend beyond romantic couples to other close relationships, such as friendships, families, and even sports or work teams.