Here are two examples of how people can perceive their partner’s response to good news. Although partners should definitely be enthusiastic in their responses, at the end of the day, it might depend on your own mindset. You can either accept what your partner gives or not be satisfied with it. One reason for why people would have a difference in their perception is due to self-esteem. Those with higher self-esteem may more readily accept and be happy with what their partner gives. On the other hand, those with lower self-esteem may not be able to accept it because they need more convincing that their partner actually likes them. It’s hard to feel confident in others if we aren’t even confident in ourselves.
What do you think? Does this make sense? Or should it really be up to the partner?
Citation: Smith, S. M., & Reis, H. T. (2012). Perceived responses to capitalization attempts are influenced by self‐esteem and relationship threat. Personal Relationships, 19(2), 367-38. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6811.2011.01367.x
