Most guys think being in a relationship has a lot of disadvantages, but they’re actually better off when they share their lives with someone else.
Although almost everyone wants to be in a relationship at some point, many people are still reluctant to get involved with someone because of the changes that will, inevitably, occur.
A lot of good things can come out of a relationship, but there are disadvantages, as well. Unfortunately, most people are more likely to notice the bad things than the good. That’s why they think being in a relationship is a step down: living the single life has its perks, and being tied down means not being able to take advantage of them.
What’s so bad about being in relationship?
The disadvantages of being in a relationship come in many forms. Fights are the first thing to come to mind. Next, there’s the issue of what to do and what not to do. But that’s what LovePanky’s for, right? [Want to keep your relationship intact? Read: 12 important dating rules for classy men and women]
Some couples go into relationships they were forced into, either by guilt or necessity. When this happens, they end up feeling unhappy and incomplete.
If you look at the big picture, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being in a relationship. If, however, you choose to nit-pick and see all the bad that may come out of relationships, then what’s the point in being in one?
Yes, there will be problems. Some of them might be huge, while some of them will be pretty shallow. But, for the most part, the fact that you’re with a person you really love makes up for any roadblocks you run into. [Try: 23 foolproof relationship tips and advice for men]
Why do men benefit more from relationships?
This is not an argument for gender equality. We’re actually looking at why men end up being better in relationships than they were when they were single.
It’s not a generalized assumption. Studies show that men who are in serious relationships or are married became healthier and happier. How?
#1 They are healthier. Being in a relationship pushes people to be healthier for their partners. Accountability accounts for most of this phenomenon. When you’re single, you care more about yourself than you do others. For men, it’s a bigger challenge, because they are pressured into being the healthiest individual in the family unit. They are the provider and the rock, which means they are expected to hold the family together. That is why they are motivated to stay healthy. Or… maybe it’s because their wives take better care of them.
#2 They live longer. Another study followed couples within a nine-year period. They found that those in happy marriages or relationships were more likely to live longer than their single counterparts. It could be that the presence of a loved one gives them more fuel for life. [Check out: How to stay in love forever with your lover]
#3 Their risk of heart disease lessens when they marry educated women. This is pretty much common sense. When your partner is well-educated, they know how to live a healthier lifestyle, and are always looking for ways to improve their family’s overall well-being.
#4 The risk of cancer is lower. A team conducted a study of 27,779 cancer patients and found that those who were married had less severe diagnoses than those who were single. There is a lot of speculation concerning the reason. Some suggest that being in a happy relationship contributes to the miraculous healing of many cancer patients. That’s probably where the idea of “living for someone” comes from.
#5 They have a lower risk for developing depression. People in relationships are generally happier than single people yearning for a relationship. Men are less likely to be depressed, because being in a relationship completes their basic need for mating and their emotional need for a human connection. [Try: How to be a happy couple that’s envied by all]
#6 They are less likely to commit a crime. A study showed that men who committed offenses like speeding, parking in an illegal zone, etc. were less likely to commit the same crimes when they were married. This is most likely due to a sense of responsibility toward their family. They wouldn’t want their loved ones to get involved in any criminal activity.
#7 They have stronger bones. Either their wives are just really into milk, or there’s a mysterious health factor involved in the process of marriage. Research suggests that this is more likely to happen when a man marries after turning 25. The cause is most likely due to them having healthier lifestyles when they’re married.
#8 Their well-being and happiness increases. Scientists think that this is because being in a relationship fosters connections. People are healthier and happier when they are surrounded by people they love. It’s not even solely based on science. You see it everywhere you go. Happy people are healthy people. [Check out: How to be happy and live life to the fullest]
#9 Their self-esteem, self-confidence, and resiliency increases. This is expected when someone is proudly attracted to you—i.e. a wife or girlfriend. Your self-doubts decrease when you have a support system like a spouse or children. This is especially true when your family is wholly appreciative and supportive of you as a husband and father.
#10 They are more optimistic and trustworthy. The stories you hear about bad relationships, where people cheat, are not the basis of this observation. Men in happy marriages are more optimistic, because they see the positive results of being in a relationship. They are secure in their position and are less likely to suspect their partners for no reason.
Women are just as likely to develop a happier and healthier lifestyle when they’re in a relationship, but some aspects of biology are still favor of men. [Try: How to have a long-term relationship that lasts]
Men have higher metabolisms, they have more body mass, and their bones are bigger than women’s. But don’t fret, ladies. You win in terms of longevity, because there is evidence-based research that shows that women live longer than men.
Everyone can benefit from being close to a person they truly love. It makes you happier and more optimistic, which leads to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.
[Sold on the value of relationships? Next, read: 25 must-follow relationship rules for happy love]
This is just a reminder to all the men out there: living a bachelor lifestyle isn’t as healthy as you think it is. Even if you don’t get married, you would do well to foster the connections that you already have, whether it’s with a girlfriend, your parents, or your friends. A romantic relationship just has more perks.
