Positive relationships are the "royal road to happiness". Character strengths offer a pivotal pathway for creating, enhancing, and recovering positive relationships.

Meet an Expert

James & Suzie Pawelski

Suzann (“Suzie”) Pileggi Pawelski has a Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a freelance writer and well-being consultant specializing in the science of happiness and its effects on health and relationships.

James Pawelski, Ph.D., is Director of Education and Senior Scholar at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania where he co-founded the world's first Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program with Martin Seligman.

More articles on Relationships

Relationships
One Easier Way to Make Someone Happier
Learning how spotting others’ characters strengths can boost overall mood.
By Dr. Ryan Niemiec
Relationships
Perspective & Social intelligence: How Recognizing the Strengths in Others Made Us Flourish as a Family
How can spotting strengths in your family bring you closer together?
By Marjorie Aunos
Relationships
Respect is "To Look Again"
Fatima Doman discusses how you can create respect through strengths.
By Fatima Doman
Relationships
How to Resolve Everyday Conflicts
Conflicts in relationships aren't always predictable, but they can be handled through preparation.
By Dr. Neal Mayerson
Relationships
The Higher Ground of Unity: How Character Strengths Build Compassionate Communities
Fatima Doman discusses how we can build communities around love and kindness.
By Fatima Doman
Relationships
Gentleness as a Compound Strength
Learn how the compound strength of gentleness can be related to your other strengths.
By Dr. Ryan Niemiec
Relationships
Did You Hear? Gossip Can be Good
Talking about someone can easily be turned into talking about someone’s strengths.
By Kelly Aluise
Relationships
Are You and Your Partner Alike From A Strengths Perspective?
Try this fun exercise to see how many strengths you and your partner have in common.
By Kim Allen
Relationships
Discover How Gratitude Can Improve Your Relationships
By Kelly Aluise
Relationships
How You Express Gratitude to Your Partner Matters
Gratitude is essential to cultivate for thriving romantic relationships.
By James & Suzie Pawelski
Relationships
Your Relationships are Pathways to Thriving
Discover small practices that can help you nurture and celebrate your relationships.
By James & Suzie Pawelski
Relationships
Building Stronger Relationships
Learn why it's important to focus on your partner's best qualities.
By James & Suzie Pawelski
Happiness
Research Reveals: Money Can Buy Happiness
New research reveals there might be a way to purchase a little bit of happiness.
By Dr. Neal Mayerson
Relationships
What You May Be Unconsciously Spreading to Others
Research shows how highly contagious emotions can be.
By James & Suzie Pawelski
Strengths Basics
Committing to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
A perspective from VIA Product & Practice Development Consultant, Ruth Pearce.
By Ruth Pearce
Relationships
What to Do with an Annoying Co-Worker
Ever deal with a difficult colleague or client at work? Here's what to do.
By Michelle McQuaid
Relationships
101 Ways to Connect From a Distance
Tips to stay emotionally connected when in-person interactions are limited.
By Tayyab Rashid
Leadership
Choosing Your Role Model in a Crisis
When times are tough, look to others to find strength.
By Ruth Pearce
Relationships
What Social Distancing Can't Stop
We need to focus on our mental health and choose to consume and spread positivity.
By James & Suzie Pawelski
Mindfulness
Using Strengths for All
Your strengths connect you to others. They are a bond that all human beings share.
By Ruth Pearce

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