Are relationships worth it?

Relationships can be a beautiful experience to engage in for many people, but there are also plenty of challenges throughout a relationship. Therefore, it can be easy to question whether or not relationships are worth it.  One of the main positives of relationships is that they contain a companionship that is hard to mimic.  Friendships are great, but relationships have a form of companionship that is more committed and typically more engaging.  This type of companionship can feel really comforting as you go through the highs and lows of life.  When we experience really exciting, high moments in life, it can feel really great to have a companion to share them with.  On the contrary, when we experience really low and challenging moments in life, it can be really tough, but easier knowing that you have a companion to help you through those moments. 

Being in a relationship can be a great outlet to live out emotional and physical desires.  We all have different emotional and physical needs regarding our desires to connect with others, and a relationship can be a really healthy outlet to see to those needs.  Meeting those needs can feel really fulfilling for one’s overall mental health.  Also, we all have certain life goals, and when we are in a relationship, certain life goals can feel easier to achieve.  For example, if you have the goal to buy a house someday, that can be easier to achieve when you are with someone that shares the same goal. 

Amidst the positives to being in a relationship, there are definitely negatives to consider.  The main negative to think about is that being in a relationship will mean less freedom than you would have if you were single.  When someone is in a relationship, there are typical expectations that give them less freedom to do whatever they want.  When being in a relationship, you likely have to consider how your actions impact the person you are in a relationship with.  You will also naturally have less time with your friends when in a relationship, which is important to consider.  Nothing is perfect, and it's just important to consider if these negatives are worth it to you.