In a recent study, researchers at the Yale University of Public Health found that people in relationships have great influence over each other's behavior when it comes to health. The study found that as one person started to improve a bad behavior, the other partner often followed suit.
For instance: 30% of males and 28% of females followed their partner when he or she started exercising. And 29% of males and 22% of females followed their partner when he or she stopped smoking.
So even though it might feel like your spouse ignores you, and you have little impact on his or her behavior, take heart—you really do! And maybe that means it's time to kick start a healthy change and watch him follow you:
Commit to starting a regular exercise routine
Kick that smoking habit
Get that flu shot
And what about all the other good examples you can set that might make a difference, too? His inability to pick up his socks? His resistance to putting the seat down? Is there something that he does that really pushes your buttons? Tell us what habit of your partner's you would most like to change—whether it's health related or not. And see if other iVillagers don't share the exact same view of their partners...
