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Long-term relationships are often seen as a daunting prospect, with many believing that the initial spark of attraction and excitement will inevitably fade away. However, those lucky enough to have experienced the joys of a long-term relationship will tell you that there are incredible benefits to be gained from sharing your life with someone you love.

A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that couples who reported high levels of satisfaction with their relationship also reported better physical health and fewer symptoms of depression over time (Whisman, Uebelacker, & Bruce, 2006). Following are other ways that these connections benefit both partners:

1. Comfortable companionship. One of the greatest benefits of a long-term relationship is the deep sense of comfort and companionship it can provide. Another study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that couples who had been together for a longer period of time reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction and intimacy compared to those who had been together for a shorter period (Kurdek, 1999). This suggests that the longer a couple is together, the deeper their connection can become.

When you’ve been with someone for a long time, you develop a level of intimacy and understanding that can’t be replicated in other types of relationships. You know each other’s quirks, habits, and preferences, and you feel safe and secure in each other’s company. This kind of comfort can be soothing during stressful or difficult times.

2. Shared experiences. When you’re in a long-term relationship, you get to share your life with someone in a way that’s truly special. You’ll create memories together that will last a lifetime, from weddings and births to lazy Sunday mornings in bed.

A study published in the journal Personal Relationships found that couples that engaged in novel and challenging activities together reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction (Aron, Norman, Aron, & Heyman, 2000). Sharing experiences with someone you love can be highly fulfilling, and can deepen your connection to each other. It boosts the release of the hormone oxytocin, also known as “the cuddle hormone” and it enhances the feeling of being close and loved.

3. Support and encouragement. When you’re in a long-term relationship, you have someone in your corner who believes in you and supports you, which can be invaluable, especially in challenging times.

4. Growth and self-discovery. Being in a long-term relationship can also be a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. When you’re with someone who loves you unconditionally, you feel safe to explore new parts of yourself and try new things. Your partner can challenge you to be your best self, and you can do the same for them. Together, you can learn and grow in ways you might not have thought possible on your own.

While long-term relationships may not always be easy, they can be deeply rewarding.

 

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About the Author: Barton Goldsmith
Honored by several professional associations, Dr. Barton Goldsmith is a multi-award winning syndicated columnist, radio host, psychotherapist, as well as a recognized keynote speaker. Since 2002, Dr. Goldsmith’s weekly column, Emotional Fitness, which is syndicated by Tribune News Service, and has been featured in over 5 s00 publications including The San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Sun-Times, The Detroit News, and Time Magazine, giving him a substantial readership. He has been interviewed on numerous TV/Radio shows and for many publications; his expert advice is regularly featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine and he is also the top blogger for Psychology Today, his Emotional Fitness blog has had over 34 Million views. Dr. Goldsmith has authored several books including; Emotional Fitness for Couples – 10 Minutes a Day to a Better Relationship was published by New Harbinger on Valentine’s Day 2006, and the sequel, Emotional Fitness for Intimacy - Sweeten and Deepen Your Love in Just 10 Minutes a Day released by New Harbinger in April '09. Dr. Goldsmith also published Emotional Fitness at Work – 6 Strategic Steps to Success Using the Power of Emotion, the third in the Emotional Fitness book series, that was released in September ’09 by Career Press, who also published 100 Ways to Boost Your Self-Confidence – Believe in Yourself and Others Will Too in May of 2010. His latest book, The Happy Couple, another New Harbinger publication was released on December 1st, 2013. His next book, “100 Ways to Overcome Shyness” was published by Career Press just last year. He has appeared on CNN, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, CBS News, NBC News, Beauty and The Geek, The Ricki Lake Show and The Mancow Muller Show. Dr. Barton also served as the national spokesperson for the Mars Candy My M&M's Treasured Moments Challenge, and is currently the national spokesperson for the SunTender Pre-Marital Mentoring Program. “Dr. G” also hosted a weekly radio show on NPR affiliate KCLU, with nearly 90,000 listeners from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. He received recognition from the City of Los Angeles for his work with survivors of the 1994 earthquake. His Emotional Fitness column was the winner of the Clark Vincent Award for Writing from the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. In addition, Dr. G received the Peter Markin Merit Award from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists for his humanitarian efforts. He has also been named as the recipient of the Joseph A. Giannantonio II Award in recognition of his contributions as an Outstanding Educator in the field of Addiction Medicine, given by The California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Counselors, who also inducted him into The CAADAC Hall of Fame on October 1, 2011. Dr. Goldsmith was a National Merit Scholar and a Professor of Psychology at Ryokan College, Los Angeles. Dr. Goldsmith connects with audiences worldwide with his energetic, uplifting and fun communication style. Not a button-down shrink, “Dr. G” has a unique ability to inspire and entertain which leaves his readers, viewers and listeners always wanting more. “Dr. G” began working as a writer when his career in professional basketball was cut short because he only grew to five foot six inches tall.

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