Why You’re Happier When You’re In A Relationship Than When You’re Not

Mostly (single) people read this blog. And yet, I’m always surprised when those who have voluntarily found their way here because they were looking for dating and relationship advice insist that not only do they have it all figured out but they would rather be single than in a relationship. It’s like going to the doctor when you’re sick and telling the doctor that you don’t need his counsel; you are perfectly happy with the cough that inspired you to call the doctor.

There is no debate: people are happier when they are in love… than when they are not.

This is not to say that one should be in a BAD relationship, nor that one should not find joy and contentedness in being single. If you don’t have a partner, you’d better find a way to create a rich, full single life. However, there is no debate: people are happier when they are in love (and have closer relationships, in general) than when they are not. Loneliness is an epidemic. The least we can do is acknowledge that and try to treat it.

That’s why I’m sharing this piece called “How to Instantly Create Intimacy With Any Person You Meet.” 

The author starts by asking who you would call if it were 3 AM in an emergency? If you don’t have a spouse and don’t have living parents who reside nearby, who DO you list? A lot of people are paralyzed by this question. And that’s why it’s important to not just have acquaintances (as so many men do) but actual FRIENDS (as so many women do).

Why have intimate relationships when being alone is easier? Here are a few reasons:

“People (especially men) wished that they hadn’t worked so hard and had invested more in their relationships. They wished that they had stayed in touch with their friends and had given those friendships the effort and time that they deserved. They wished that they had the courage to express themselves and many developed illnesses as a result of not doing so — which brings me to my next point.”

“The mental health benefits of having friends are well documented, but did you know that having strong social relationships has the equivalent effect on your life satisfaction as increasing your income by 150%? This effect is described in a  study on life satisfaction by the Gallup World Poll. Other, more commonly-known reasons are that relationships help us deal with stress better and provide comfort.”

“The key takeaway in all the studies above is that the quality of relationships matters far more than the quantity of relationships. Relationship intimacy is key…If you are someone who finds yourself frequently reaching for your phone to find a sense of connection only to feel a sense of emptiness after a dozen left swipes and endless scrolling on feeds, then this article is for you.”

Click here to read more – not just WHY intimate relationships are vital but HOW to actually create them. Give more to your friendships and they may give more back to you.

Your thoughts, below, are greatly appreciated.