In multiple studies, couples that actively celebrated good news (rather than actively or passively dismissed it) have had a higher rate of relationship well-being.
For example, say a wife comes home to her husband and shares an accomplishment. As we've reported before, an active-constructive response would be the best:
• An active-constructive response from him would be enthusiastic support: That's great, honey! I knew you could do it, you've been working so hard.
• A passive-constructive response would be understated support — a warm smile and a simple That's good news.
• An active-destructive response would be a statement that demeaned the event: Does this mean you are going to be gone working even longer hours now? Are you sure you can handle it?
• Finally, a passive-destructive response would virtually ignore the good news: Oh, really? Well you won't believe what happened to me on the drive home today!