By Charalampos Karouzos,
If we follow the trajectory of human history carefully, we can observe that numerous choices weren’t made logically or after careful consideration of the current issue or even randomly, but in many cases, emotions and feelings were the catalyst. Indeed, primarily romantic relationships, where intense feelings of love and companion usually occur, are directly and irreversibly shaping societal norms, values, and goals of people and the public. These intricate and profoundly personal bonds do not solely influence the lives of individuals; they also imprint an enduring legacy on the canvas of human culture and creativity, frequently being the subject of timeless paintings, sonnets, and stories. From the eloquent verses of Shakespeare’s sonnets to the vivid strokes of Renoir’s canvases, artists have sought to capture the essence of love and its transformative power which indeed possesses a formidable impact extending beyond emotions, to encompass a substantial influence on our physical and mental well-being.
What is love?
Perhaps it belongs to the very exclusive collection of one of the rare inquiries that remains, and will eternally remain, unanswerable. Love, when examined holistically, transcends a simplistic definition; apart from being a remarkably intricate and multifaceted emotion, it spans a vast spectrum of feelings, from the warmth of affection to the fervor of passion, encompassing attachment, devotion, in some cases toxicity, and everything in between. At its core, love signifies a profound emotional connection that binds individuals together, whether in the realms of romantic eros, familial bonds, enduring friendships, or the often-overlooked territory of self-love. The experience of love is not one-dimensional; it is a tapestry woven from threads of joy, fulfillment, trust, needs, biological and social forces, and vulnerability. Love provides companionship, support, and an unwavering sense of belonging, yet exposes individuals to the rawness of their own emotions, rendering them susceptible to the pangs of heartache and the complexities of human relationships. Beyond its neurobiological underpinnings, love is deeply influenced by culture, psychology, socialization, and the uniqueness of personal experiences.
Why do we seek love? Why do we love?
Our innate capacity to love finds its roots in our evolutionary heritage and biological makeup, as love serves several central goals that have contributed significantly to our survival and reproductive success as a species. Solely from an evolutionary perspective, the formation of emotional bonds and social connections has been advantageous, fortifying our ancestors against external threats, cultivating cooperation and collective defense within social groups, with these benefits also seen in the contemporary world, as couples or families can benefit from one another financially, socially, etc. Additionally, love, particularly in the context of romantic relationships, bolsters pair bonding and cooperation between partners, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful child-rearing and the propagation of one’s genetic lineage, an ultimate biological goal of any species, one strongly held by our unconscious mind. Beyond its evolutionary significance however, love nurtures social cohesion within communities and groups, sustaining their stability and overall well-being, facilitating cooperation, the equitable sharing of resources, and mutual support, all of which are indispensable for human survival. Moreover, love’s capacity to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, and enhance psychological well-being underscores its relevance in contemporary human life. Ultimately, the desire for love, companionship, and emotional intimacy is deeply embedded in human nature, contributing to our emotional fulfillment and our sense of purpose within the intricate web of existence.
What are the physical and mental health benefits of love?
The emotional well-being that stems from loving and supportive romantic relationships is perhaps one of the most remarkable advantages and an unconsciously set goal when initiating an amorous connection. Within these partnerships, marked by love, trust, and mutual support, individuals find emotional stability and happiness, with companionship and intimacy acting as potent antidotes to feelings of loneliness, and contribute significantly to a profound sense of belonging, both identified with an increasing rate in the 21st century. Indeed, numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that individuals in such relationships report lower rates of depression and heightened overall life satisfaction.
Romantic relationships extending from the general emotional wellbeing, acquire a multifaceted role in enhancing overall psychological and mental well-being of people. They do not only provide a safe space for individuals to share their concerns and emotions but also serve as effective stress buffers, reducing the production of the stress hormone cortisol, and combating chronic stress and its long-term implications for physical and mental health. Beyond stress reduction, these relationships exert a positive influence on mental health by offering emotional support, acting as a cushion for conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, and instilling life with a sense of purpose while diminishing feelings of hopelessness, all contemporary concerns of 21st century humanity. Indeed, the current understanding of the most common psychiatric disorders follows the model of a cushion, as disorders including PTSD, stress-disorders, anxiety disorders, etc., are now considered maladaptive disorders to the presence of a “stressor”, along with the lack of the needed support to overcome the effects of the stressor, the cushion. Moreover, the affirmation and support provided by a partner can significantly boost self-esteem and self-worth, leading to heightened self-confidence and a more positive self-image, increasing the defensive mechanism of individuals against stressors and diseases, and increasing overall happiness.
The mental and psychological wellbeing of sentimental bonding is readily noticeable, however the benefits extent to the sphere of physical health. One remarkable statistic highlighting the unnoticed effect on physical health is that married individuals often show lower mortality rates and those in supportive relationships, experiencing quicker recoveries from illnesses with stronger immune systems and surgical procedures, highlighting the role of emotional support in the healing process. Moreover, these relationships are associated with increased longevity, often referred to as the “marriage protection effect”, underlining the profound influence of a loving partnership on health and lifespan. Furthermore, sharing a bed with a partner can lead to better sleep quality for many, though this benefit depends on compatible sleep patterns and conducive sleep environments.
Partnerships, apart from being beneficious to the health, physical and mental, of individuals, establish lifestyles that cultivate healthy sustainable behaviors. Partners, driven by the desire to spend quality time together and participate in shared activities and experiences, frequently involve themselves in activities such as regular exercise, collaborate on creating balanced meal plans supporting each other, and encourage each other to maintain consistency in medical check-ups. These shared endeavors do not only promote better health outcomes but also reinforce the importance of making health-conscious choices. In fact, it has been observed that individuals in committed relationships tend to steer clear of risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices, or excessive alcohol consumption, a protective effect that stems from the mutual responsibility and emotional support that characterize these partnerships.
In summary, romantic relationships exert a profound influence on an individual’s physical and mental health, with the emotional support, companionship, and positive interactions that characterize loving partnerships all contributing to reduced stress, heightened well-being, and an array of other health benefits. Nonetheless, it is essential to underscore that not all romantic relationships yield these advantages, and the quality of the relationship plays a pivotal role in determining its impact on health. Indeed, in the ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, in which societal norms and modern technologies reshape our understanding of connections, it becomes imperative to adapt and identify new formulas that will better accommodate romantic relationships in the realm of the changing dynamics of the modern world.
References
- SEVEN REASONS WHY LOVING RELATIONSHIPS ARE GOOD FOR YOU. University of Utah. Available here
- 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Love. WebMD. Available here
- 5 Ways Love Is Good for Your Health. Time. Available here
- Abbie Jordan , Bernie Carter, Paula Forgeron, Karine Fournier, Kate Sanders. “Romantic Relationships in Young People with Long-Term Health Conditions: A Scoping Review”. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 46(3). pp 264–279.
- Romantic relationships and mental health. Science Direct. Available here
