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Romantic relationships have a special way of enriching our lives through intimate companionship and connection. For many, the desire to find a partner comes from the hope of sharing life’s journey, with all its triumphs, struggles, and quiet moments, with someone who is there for both the highs and the lows.
A 2023 study published in Evolutionary psychology explored the top reasons behind seeking romantic connections and what people find most helpful about it. Researchers found that long-term relationships tend to have specific qualities that make them highly satisfying, regardless of a person’s age or gender.
This is what people value most about being in a relationship, according to the research.
One of the greatest benefits of a long-term relationship is the experience of feeling deeply loved and cared for. Healthy love does not obsessivebut reliable, balanced and uplifting, and many long for such a dynamic. This includes feeling loved in the way you need, whether it’s through words, actions, or quality time.
Study participants report that a committed relationship allows them to experience more positive emotions, such as love and passion, while also reducing feelings of loneliness. They emphasized several aspects of this, including the joy of shared activities, the warmth of affection and the comfort of having a steady partner by your side.
Actually a 2019 study published in Evolutionary psychological science found that people in relationships often report higher life satisfaction and fewer negative emotions compared to those who are involuntarily single.
A notable aspect of such relationships is the sense of companionship they provide. Loneliness, now something of a modern epidemic, can negatively impact mental and physical health. Humans are naturally social creatures, and having someone with whom you can share your thoughts, discuss life’s challenges, and simply spend time with fulfills a core emotional need to belong.
Furthermore, the research found that regular, safe and satisfying sexual experiences provide a significant benefit, even if this is not the main reason for seeking long-term relationships. In addition to pleasure, this aspect of intimacy is likely to strengthen emotional closeness and trust, creating deeper relationships relationship satisfaction.
Another cornerstone of relationship appeal is the feeling of unconditional support. Whether it’s emotional, practical or financial, having a partner to lean on can make life’s challenges seem more manageable.
Researchers found that nearly 93% of participants cited support as a key benefit of being in a relationship. This may mean having someone who provides comfort during difficult times, shares daily responsibilities, and offers encouragement in pursuing goals.
Many participants appreciated the tangible benefits of a partnership, such as sharing costs and relieving financial stress. While this may not be as important for individuals who are very financially independent, it does highlight how relationships can adapt to meet the unique needs of each partner.
For others, the emotional support – knowing that there is someone to listen to them, care for them and advocate for them – is life-changing. The importance of feeling truly seen and supported cannot be underestimated. Whether it concerns encouraging each other personal growth or just being there to share the loadsupport is the backbone of any thriving relationship.
Of course this is a two-way street. Researchers suggest that couples find value in relationships by both giving and receiving care, creating a cycle of mutual appreciation that fuels a long-lasting connection.
Understanding what partners value most in a relationship can help you create a bond that nurtures these very qualities. When approached with care and intention, relationships become spaces where we can be our authentic selves, share our joys and burdens, and grow together with someone who truly values us.
Are you in a deeply loving and supportive relationship? Take this science-based test to find out: Lovebird shell
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