A Fine Balance: The Magic Ratio to a Healthy Relationship (Relationships series)

This publication is one of six Purdue Extension fact sheets about couple relationships that lists strategies and activities for enhancing a relationship. It was updated in 2022. Successful intimate relationships have a balance between positive and negative feelings and actions between partners. According to relationship researcher John Gottman, the magic ratio is 5 to 1. This means that for every one negative feeling or interaction between partners, there must be five positive feelings or interactions. This fact sheet suggests a number of ways to increase the positives in your relationship.