Sharing such social connections makes couples feel closer and more satisfied with their relationships

Many of us may know the pleasures of binging Netflix comedies with a romantic partner or cuddling up to watch Game of Thrones every Sunday night. If you’ve ever been in a long-distance relationship, you and your sweetie may have even synced up a movie to watch “together” while chatting on the phone. Recent research suggests that watching TV shows and movies with a significant other is more than a fun and relaxing way to pass the time – it may have important benefits for your relationship. In a line of studies published in The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, my colleagues and I explored why many couples seem to spend so much time watching TV shows and movies together.

Romantic partners quickly begin sharing important parts of their lives and intimate aspects of their selves with one another, a process known as expanding the self. In this process, couples begin to form a shared identity, transforming from a “You” and “I” into a “We.” An important part of expanding the self is merging social networks – meeting the parents, forming mutual friends, and getting to know your partner’s coworkers. It may even help keep relationships together. Couples with more shared social connections are less likely to break up over time than couples with fewer shared connections.

However, some couples have difficulty maintaining this fully integrated social network. In long distance relationships or among working couples with conflicting schedules, for example, outings with mutual friends or family gatherings may be few and far between. Continue Reading