What are the benefits of having relationships?
With the generation today becoming more and more fickle in terms of relationships and matters of the heart, more people today are alienating themselves from the idea of having a serious relationship and are looking for flings that will just give them momentary pleasure. Whether a relationship is good for you or not, that depends on you only and no one can help you decide what you want in life. We humans are hard-wired for social connection, and we all possess a basic need to belong and to be loved. For many people in today's world, the need to marry young has been trumped by climbing the career ladder, and being in a committed relationship doesn't necessarily mean tying the knot. But despite that, most (but not all) still harbor a strong desire to be in a romantic relationship.
How do relationships support our lives?
One thing that relationship research has taught us is that good relationships are good for us. Many studies have demonstrated that solid relationships are associated with better health and longer life. In fact, having strong relationships is a better predictor of mortality than any other healthy lifestyle behavior. There are many ways that those we are closest to can help us cope with the stress we face, like job loss, relationship break-up, or illness. Relationships can buffer us from the negative effects of these events by providing comfort, reassurance, or acceptance, or protecting us from some of the negative forces of the stress. But in addition to that comfort and protection, our relationships can strengthen and fortify us against future adversity.
With the generation today becoming more and more fickle in terms of relationships and matters of the heart, more people today are alienating themselves from the idea of having a serious relationship and are looking for flings that will just give them momentary pleasure. Whether a relationship is good for you or not, that depends on you only and no one can help you decide what you want in life. We humans are hard-wired for social connection, and we all possess a basic need to belong and to be loved. For many people in today's world, the need to marry young has been trumped by climbing the career ladder, and being in a committed relationship doesn't necessarily mean tying the knot. But despite that, most (but not all) still harbor a strong desire to be in a romantic relationship.
How do relationships support our lives?
One thing that relationship research has taught us is that good relationships are good for us. Many studies have demonstrated that solid relationships are associated with better health and longer life. In fact, having strong relationships is a better predictor of mortality than any other healthy lifestyle behavior. There are many ways that those we are closest to can help us cope with the stress we face, like job loss, relationship break-up, or illness. Relationships can buffer us from the negative effects of these events by providing comfort, reassurance, or acceptance, or protecting us from some of the negative forces of the stress. But in addition to that comfort and protection, our relationships can strengthen and fortify us against future adversity.