While there may be no concrete proof that a loving relationship is beneficial to one's health, it certainly seems to have a positive effect on one's overall well-being. It seems that those who are involved in a long-term relationship where each person is treated lovingly tend to be happier, more relaxed, have more confidence and are generally healthier. A good bit of the reason for this may be less stress in the home. It is well known that stress can add to a host of maladies, both emotional and physical. If a person is involved in a relationship that is negative, there is more likelihood that they will suffer from stress related ailments. The more relaxed and loving a relationship is, the better the chances are that a person will not suffer as many stress induced health problems.

Being in love and being able to share and receive affection promotes happiness, relaxation and peacefulness. This in turn can lower stress levels resulting in lower blood pressure and a better balance between the mind, body, spirit system of the complete being. People in a happy, healthy relationship tend to laugh more and laughing has been said to be beneficial to health. People who are in abusive relationships or who live in a home environment where negativity is prevalent seem to be more susceptible to illnesses. When suffering from stress the body's immune system may be compromised therefore making the individual more prone to flu and colds along with a myriad of other illnesses. Those who are involved in a stressful relationship may find themselves emotionally and physically exhausted. When energy is depleted the body begins to wear down. Most people involved in these types of relationships do not eat right nor do they get proper rest and sleep which are both essential for good health.

A healthy relationship can improve one's well-being in a variety of ways. This is not to say that a healthy relationship is one without disagreements or problems but in a healthy relationship, the partners are able to talk openly and honestly with each other. They are able to work through their disagreement by having good lines of communication and are able to transcend problems that would otherwise escalate in a relationship that is not as healthy as it should be. Healthy relationships are not perfect; no relationship ever is. But when a person does not feel comfortable enough to discuss his or her feelings with a partner, those emotions will build inside, causing stress that may later lead to serious health conditions.

Even people who do suffer from some type of illness have been known to make faster recoveries when they have a caring, nurturing mate to help them through their sickness. Whether we believe it or not, love does have a curative effect. The mind can influence the body and the healing process and when a person knows that there is a stable, loving individual in their life that they can depend upon, the mind is relaxed and comforted and is able to put more effort into healing the body. If a person who is in an abusive relationship becomes ill, they may not care whether they get better or not. Deep within the psyche they may believe that they have no reason to recover or they may feel that their mate will treat them better as long as they are sick. In this sense, the subconscious may actually work to inhibit the healing process. But if a person has a healthy, loving relationship to look forward to, the mind may work to speed up the healing process so that the individual can return to their state of health because this individual wants to be able to continue enjoying the love that he or she receives. Love may not heal all as the old cliche' says but it certainly can't hurt.

by Darlene Zagata