I do think that if you are in a toxic relationship, your body will become toxic.  Stress is known to be at the root of many deadly diseases.  Your body reacts to what we are going through on the inside. I know that when I am stressed out and surrounded by unhappy people, I have been known to break out in skin rashes.

They say that happily married people live longer than single ones. 

 

 

I have had several very personal relationships. I only lost them by death, in the last few years. Three yeas ago I felt that I had lost my connection to people. I want to make some new friends. I move my membership to a mega Church and got involved. I have made some wonderful new friends. I have also joined a garden club. Although, I am very connected with my family I feel that I need extended family as well. I found that this give my life balance.

Sorry to hear of your losses.  You sound like you are trying to move your life in a positive direction.

People bring different things into your life. My friends and family balance me out too.  They add a dimesion that rounds me out and makes me feel complete.

For me I'd say healthy relationships are important. Just an observation since my wife and kids are out of town for the week. I find I have to make myself get up and get active. Without them around my motivation is low on these rainy days. I live for my wife and kids it seems. They make my life fun and keep me happy.

I know some folks are happy single, but many of them seem to have a great network of family and friends also. It's hard to imagine not having someone to lean on. 

Observe the world as though you were a child and enjoy the wonder of it all.

I think relationships are critical for keeping us in the game.  I remember when I was single and living in NYC.  I always felt a sense of loneliness.  Being with friends, lovers, or family make for a more fufilling and well-rounded life.

But if the relationships are too stressful, you need to weigh if they are worth the toll it takes on your soul. 

Doctors even say having a cat or dog around the house will help you live a longer healthier life.  Humans are social creatures and companionship is key. 

You hear about after the death of  a spouse, the other dies shortly after.  I think that people like companionship and need the interaction that relationships provide.  Knowing that someone is close by is the most wonderful feeling in the world. I also think it keeps your mind active and engaged which leads to a longer life.

I know from personal experience, that being in love, and feeling that loved returned is truly natures miracle healer. I've battled Lupus for years and then Leukemia. Both diseases respond to stresses in your life. And even though I am a naturally happy and optimist person by nature, the love of my husband worked miracles in how I recovered my health. This isn't to say that love is the only way to heal ourselves, but feeling joy and happiness and contentment in finding a partner that you connect and bond with does make a huge impact. Could I have recovered my health without this amazing man in my life? I think I could have. Would I have been as healthy as I am now with his love? Very likely not.

I'd like to think that all you need is love... But they key is reciprocity. It takes both partners sharing their love and their life together. Giving as well as receiving. My Grandparents were married for 65 years. And my Grandmother's favorite saying was "there may be snow on the roof, but that doesn't mean there isn't a fire in the furnace!" I loved hearing how she and my Grandfather were still so much in love after 65 years! Did they live a long life even though it was filled with many challenges... the great depression, illnesses, and 4 kids? You bet they did! That's what gives me so much encouragement when I see so many couples happy together and see that the secret to that happiness is not just the obvious love, but honor and respect and NEVER taking your partner for granted. My Grandparents had important "couple" time that renewed their emotional batteries and shared life. It seems so simple doesn't it? But life can be challenging. And before you know it, days can go by if you aren't vigilent and constantly renewing your love for each other. I'm always keeping that in mind.

So maybe we should ask... "can we live better lives as well as longer lives?" I think the answer is with love and happiness, yes we can have it all.

 

I agree.  Having a loving partner that truly is a partner is a wonderful thing and should be cherished.  My grandparents also were married for over 67 years and still were friends at the end.  Having someone there for you lets you explore the wonders of the world and know that there is a home to come to in the end.