An ink jet printing method comprising the steps of: A) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals; B) loading said printer with an ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer; C) loading said printer with an ink jet ink comprising water, a colorant and a water-soluble ester or amide of a pyrrolidin-2-one carboxylic acid; and D) printing on said image-receiving layer using said ink jet ink composition in response to said digital data signals.