According to new research, this compatible approach to texting could be one of the things that makes our relationship work. A study presented at this year’s annual convention of the American Psychological Association shows that couples with similar texting habits tend to be happier and more fulfilled – regardless of the content of the messages they send to one another.

Researchers surveyed 205 adults between the ages of 18 and 29 who were in romantic relationships, asking questions about their texting habits, emotional security and relationship satisfaction.

Results showed that people who described their partner as having a similar texting style to themselves felt more satisfied with their relationship. Whether the messages were adoring love notes or complaints didn’t matter so much, and neither did the frequency of the texts. The most important thing was the similarity in approach.

The findings were presented by Dr Leora Trub, a psychology professor at Pace University in New York. Her research expanded on previous research showing that couples who communicate similarly in any medium are happier in their relationships.

“How couples texted was more important to the satisfaction of the relationship than how frequently they texted,” she said.

How having similar texting styles can affect romantic relationships