Most of us can think of times we’ve engaged in problematic behaviors because they benefited us and our social relationships in the short term. Perhaps you smoked a cigarette because your friend was having one, stayed for that one extra drink even though you should probably have gone home, or lounged on the sofa with your partner rather than going out because it just seemed easier.⁠ ⁠ A new study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin finds that engaging in these behaviors with a romantic partner can bring you closer. The study brings up interesting questions about how the rewards associated with problematic short-term behaviors might impact our ability to achieve healthier long-term goals.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #couples #relationship #behaviors #science #psychology