The key to a happy relationship? Expert’s new finding will surprise you | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHarry CockburnFriday 05 September 2025 23:07 BSTTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce announce engagement with stunning floral photoshootNew research suggests that gossiping with a romantic partner can significantly contribute to relationship happiness and bonding.The study, conducted by the University of California, analysed conversations from 76 couples, finding that participants spent an average of 29 minutes daily gossiping with their partner.Published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, the research indicates that couples' gossip is strongly linked to happiness and, to a lesser extent, relationship quality.Researchers propose that sharing gossip reinforces the perception that partners are 'on the same team', enhancing feelings of connectedness, trust, and other positive relationship qualities.This finding builds on previous work that dispelled common myths about gossip, including that women do not engage in negative gossip more than men.In fullWhy gossiping with your partner could be key to a healthy relationshipThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in