Relationships, from intimate flings to lifelong commitments, bring us the satisfaction of knowing we have someone who cares about and for us. They also give us a sense of belonging and help to reduce stress. People who have a partner or spouse are more likely to engage in healthy activities such as exercise, eat right and sleep better than those who do not. They are also more likely to seek professional help when they have a mental health issue.
Research has shown that when you see a person you love, certain areas of the brain are stimulated and this produces feelings of happiness. This happiness can be contagious and is a wonderful thing to experience with someone you love.
However, relationships aren’t always easy. Whether your relationship is on the rocks or you’re floating on cloud nine, it takes work to keep it healthy. The key to keeping your relationship happy and thriving is maintaining some excitement, improving communication and learning how to handle conflict effectively.
Many couples get stuck in a pattern of peaceful coexistence, but without the emotional connection that makes them feel loving and fulfilled. It is vital that you take time to nurture your finer qualities and keep a strong bond of friendship with your significant other, even though this means you may not share all of the same interests.
While you shouldn’t go through life on autopilot, it is a mistake to be too demanding of yourself or your partner. In a good relationship, you both should feel free to pursue your own interests and should not be afraid of disagreements. A healthy way to resolve disagreements is by talking them out. It’s also important to be able to communicate in ways that do not threaten your partner’s dignity. Lastly, you should not feel like you are being judged or that your partner is “keeping score” by analyzing your behavior.
One of the main benefits of being in a relationship is having someone to make you laugh and bring out your inner child. A good partner will constantly re-live happy memories with you and be a source of positivity in your life. They can also be a support system during the tough times and offer emotional and physical comfort.
Having a significant other can also make you more willing to try new things because you know that there is someone there to go with you if needed. It can also help to take the pressure off of trying to meet the expectations of others when it comes to family gatherings and other events. Having a partner can also make you more motivated to stay active because they will hold you accountable to maintain your fitness goals and encourage you to keep up with your health habits. Moreover, they can be an extra set of hands when you need help with chores or taking care of the kids. This is a great way to save on babysitters and nannies.