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Entity lays out all the benefits of a long term relationship.

Cyndi Lauper tells us that “Girls just wanna have fun.” Beyoncé tells “all the single ladies to put [their] hands up.” And Nicki Minaj raps about how great it is to be “feelin’ [yourself].” At a young age, independence is typically celebrated and being single is encouraged. Who wants to have a “ball and chain”? But is it possible to be young and committed?

When you’re busy worrying about your career and your future, it may seem like you don’t have the time or energy to think about anyone else. Relationships can get stressful, messy and complicated. Not only that, but trying to find your long-term partner can also be excruciatingly difficult. In addition, relationships often pressure people (especially women) into making unnecessary sacrifices.

However, Independent references a study conducted by research company GfK Roper that shows 90 percent of men and women in the United States believe in “true love.” So for those of you women who still believe in love but need more encouragement or if you are among the 10 percent who need convincing, here are the benefits of finding your long-term soulmate.

1 It offers stability.

A long-term partner offers the security and stability you will need during life’s transitions and challenges. For instance, if you get laid off from a job, your life may feel like a whirlwind of emotions and changing plans. When things become overwhelming, having a constant in your life will help keep you grounded. This person can remind you of your goals and your worth.

Psychology Today calls this “attachment security.” Apparently, “You can try new things and you know you’ve got a soft place to fall if what you try doesn’t work out … People in long-term relationships often go through crises together.” This kind of stability and support can “reduce anxiety even for those who are prone to it.”

2 You have a constant source of support.

The stability factor of long-term relationships works in tandem with his or her support and encouragement. When things are getting difficult, it’s nice to have someone who will say, “I believe in you” or “You can do it.” Psychology Today says this kind of support will help you accept yourself because “You’ll internalize your partner’s positive judgments of you.” When your partner loves something about you, you’re likely to start seeing things from his or her point of view.

Not only that, but it’s also helpful to have someone who is willing to pick up the slack when you need help. This can be as simple as taking out the trash or making dinner after a long day at work. It can mean taking the time to help you find your office for your first day at work. It can even mean paying the bills when you’re struggling financially.

3 Companionship helps your health.

Long-term relationships will improve both your physical and mental health. For starters, having a constant partner reduces your chance of contracting STDs, as long as both of you remain honest with each other. In addition, WebMD says that companions can be “a large force of influence in your own behavior.” So if your partner is eating healthy, then he or she can remind you to “have one less drink” or to “exercise more,” leading you to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Research also shows that men and women in happy, long-term relationships are also more likely to follow their doctors’ recommendations. In addition, long-term partnerships, as long as they stay emotionally healthy, can help reduce stress and improve heart health. Overall, as Sudeepta Varma, an NYU Lagone Medical Center psychiatrist, says on WebMD, “The love and support – and how this translates into us taking better care of ourselves when we have someone who is invested in our happiness – is immeasurable.”

4 You have someone by your side.

Long-term relationship are also beneficial in that they offer a go-to person with whom you can travel or even complete mundane chores. As Popsugar writes, “Doing the most mundane things like going grocery shopping or heating up leftovers becomes instantly more fun with a partner by your side.”

Not only that, but always having a ‘plus one’ can also push you to be fearless. Are you scared of traveling alone? You no longer have to be – your partner is by your side. Do you need someone to motivate you to work out? A long-term partner can join you at the gym every evening. Sometimes, all you need to do to get over a fear is to have a supportive someone to shout encouragements.

5 You have someone to push you to be a better person.

As cliché as this may sound, it’s true that long-term partnerships encourage each person to be a better. While it’s good to have someone who shares the same values, it’s also beneficial to find someone who isn’t afraid to call you out. Psychology Today says that long-term relationships provide someone to “correct [your] thinking biases.” According to the website, the more experiences you two have shared, then the more you know about how he or she thinks and makes decisions.

It’s typically easier to take life advice from your partner because you can trust that he or she has your best interests at heart. In addition, if you’re with someone who comes from a different background, this will open your world and mindset to different views, which is healthy for both of you. A long-term partner will also be willing to have critical conversations, allowing you to share ideas without the fear of judgment.

Overall, long-term relationships offer men and women the perfect platform to grow safely in an accepting, supportive and loving environment. In fact, there is no hard-rule saying your “soulmate” needs to be your spouse; soulmates can come as platonic friendships, same-sex partnerships and even polyamorous relationships. You just need a constant someone. Regardless of what form it takes, a long-term relationship is a crucial and incredibly beneficial part of living.

Edited by Ellena Kilgallon
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