“Research indicates that individuals in a long-term relationship feel supported, saying that they always have someone they can trust to confide in and to lean on in times of need,” say the Drs. Schmitz. Something as simple as the power of human touch can lower the body’s cortisol levels and your heart rate. A good relationship won’t solve all your problems (in fact, it’ll probably produce some new ones), but it will make them easier to deal with.
Men: A great relationship can benefit your career
“Being in a relationship can certainly make people more effective in their careers,” says Dr. Nicholson. Just having a partner around to hear about your day can make a difference. A supportive ear helps you strategize, calm down when things get stressful, and plan your professional future. Dr. Nicholson cautions that both partners have to agree that a man’s career is important for this to work, however.
Women: A great relationship encourages you to be more focused in pursuing your professional goals
According to the Drs. Schmitz, “Happy, well-balanced people make better employees, because they are more likely to establish better relationships with their coworkers, work more effectively with customers, and are more likely to focus on their jobs rather than their problems.” Your partner can help you strategize about work and talk you through any angst you might have about your career. That way, you can leave the negativity at home and be more professional when you’re on the job.
Men: A great relationship can make you a better communicator
Good relationships require good communication, but luckily, you don’t have to be a pro right from the start. The longer you’re in a committed relationship, the better you’ll get at talking about your feelings, expectations and hopes for the future. This kind of deep communicating will help you in all areas of life. Your girlfriend can help by providing you with a new vocabulary for discussing your inner thoughts, and she’ll ask questions that will get you thinking in totally different ways. Do the same for her, and you’ll both be happier.
Women: A great relationship can make you a more well-rounded person
“While a good relationship urges a man to open to the softer side of himself, a woman is invited embrace the more masculine aspects of herself in order to have a good relationship, thereby becoming a more whole being,” Dr. Turndorf notes. Go ahead then, ladies: pound a burger and beer at the sports bar with your boyfriend. It’ll feel good!
Men: A great relationship encourages you to try new things
Your partner will almost certainly have different interests and hobbies than you do — and that’s a good thing. You don’t want to go through life with the exact same tastes and habits as you did in high school, do you? A good relationship will encourage you to expand your horizons and lead to new experiences you wouldn’t have had on your own. So let her talk you in to signing up for that wine class or those dancing lessons, because it’ll make you a better man.
Women: A great relationship helps you laugh
Good relationships thrive on humor. The ability to laugh will help keep your love alive while making your entire day better. You might even find yourself becoming more sought-after by old friends and new acquaintances alike when you’re settled into a happy relationship, because your easygoing vibe will naturally attract others.
10 Ways A Great Relationship Can Save Your Life was originally published on blackdoctor.org
