Dr. Robert Waldinger of Harvard Medical School’s Study of Adult Development defines positive relationships as the absolutely key to long-term happiness. In reality, the research has followed more than 700 individuals for more than 80 years and revealed that positive relationships, not wealth or achievement, are most important to life satisfaction and well-being.
Learn why relationships matter and how to nurture them to improve your health.
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Happiness grows with connection.
The study has tracked over 700 individuals for decades, showing that people with close, supportive relationships live longer, healthier lives. In contrast, both mental and physical forms of isolation and loneliness harmed the overall quality of life. And so relationships are, fundamentally, the fountain of happiness.
Nourish relationships: The key to happiness.
Research shows that relationships are the key to happiness. It’s all about the connections you create over time, be they with friends, family, or a special partner, that can alter the course of your life. Creating time to build those bonds is worth every effort and creates a bedrock of support, resilience, and joy through the various stages of life.
Don’t wait, but do it right away!
Waldinger stresses that it’s never too late in life to take steps toward nurturing and working on relationships. Make contact with that long-lost friend; make time to meet new people; it’s worth the effort. Building your social network brings happiness at any age.
Technology in relationships
While maintaining relationships, it’s important to use technology wisely. There’s some research showing that excessive social media use may compromise one’s emotional health. Focus on quality interactions to foster stronger relationships.
Undivided attention
It sounds deceptively simple, but direct eye-to-eye attention really works wonders for maintaining positive relationships. One can imagine: it is really listening; there are no distractions; there is direct eye contact, and just complete focus. Therefore, people really do feel heard and valued. As life is so fast, sometimes it is easy to get sidetracked by notifications or try multitasking, but putting that effort into giving complete attention to someone will connect you better with the person. Moreover, it is the easiest way to show that you care.
Vulnerability: Its gift in forming deeper connections
It’ll be challenging for most of you, but opening up is essential for a deeper friendship. Openness and seeking help build trust, which further strengthens these connections. The researchers found that when in difficult times, those who leaned into their supportive relationships felt more optimistic and confident. Vulnerability is not weakness; it is strength that bonds relationships.
Relationships are worth a fight.
After all, the source of most happiness and support in our lives comes from those relationships. Family, friends, or partners are the fall-back cushions that make us soar. The happiest people are those who work harder on creating and sustaining relationships. Share your life with those that matter, and it takes on more texture and meaning.
Take some time today to reach out to others and nourish those bonds; you will find that just connecting with those who matter makes life feel more worthwhile and enriching.
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