Relationships are close connections with others that can include emotional, romantic or sexual feelings. People in relationships find a greater sense of purpose and are able to take risks and chase their dreams, knowing they have support through any outcome.
Relationships give us someone to lean on when things go wrong, and to celebrate with when they do. They are a great source of comfort and they encourage health behaviors by providing accountability to stay on track with wellness goals. They decrease stress and help our biology by boosting immune, endocrine and cardiovascular function.
People in healthy relationships are able to communicate their needs and interests in ways that feel safe, understood and without judgement. They also make time for each other and remember details about their lives. Healthy couples work together as a team and are able to problem solve through conflict resolution.
Have you ever left a stressful conversation feeling physically ill? Perhaps you had stomach issues, a headache or trouble sleeping. According to Joy Giorgio, behavioral health therapist at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, these are physical symptoms of unresolved stress.
When people have strong social ties, they are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety and are better at managing stress. People in relationships are also healthier and live longer than those who do not have a supportive network around them. In a study that tracked people for over 20 years, it was found that those who were married or in a long-term relationship had a much lower chance of death than those who did not have a partner or significant other.