Who created relationships?

It would not be easy to factually state where relationships first started, past a certain point. Human beings benefit from relationships, though. In fact, there’s a biological component to relationships. From an evolutionary perspective, forming relationships has benefited our survival, and they continue to do so.

Relationships are an important part of overall health. Research has shown that loneliness can contribute to depression and even impact cardiac health. The expression, “A problem shared is a problem halved,” is true. Those with solid social support networks are less likely to experience stress and anxiety, which further indicates the importance and need for relationships.

The human polyvagal system of the human body is often called the ‘social nervous system,’ which ultimately determines the level of safety we experience. That level of safety allows us to interact within and form relationships. There are many theories about why and how we developed this unique system, one is that humans benefited from forming safe safe relationships throughout evolution. Traveling in numbers, hunting in numbers, and raising children together, as well as procreation itself, all benefit from the ability to form relationships.

Whether friendships, romantic partnerships, or with our wider communities of coworkers, churches, and more, the relationships we form help us establish a sense of identity and contribute meaning to our lives. The relationships we form can help us make important connections with resources we may need to navigate a specific situation and serve as a place we draw strength from when times are difficult.

Given the importance and implication of relationships on our sense of self, our access to resources, feelings of safety, and the health and wellbeing benefits, maintaining relationships is an important aspect of our lives. In fact, many people who enter into counseling do so to understand better and navigate interpersonal relationships.

Relationship maintenance requires time spent within the relationships we benefit from and contribute to. You can nurture your relationships by:

• Expressing appreciation for those you have relationships with. A simple ‘thank you can go a long way, as can other acts of appreciation.
• Setting aside time specifically for connection and shared interest or activities within relationships.
• Listening to the other person in your relationships.
• Communicating clearly about needs and important issues in a kind and respectful way when there is a problem rather than bottling up or exploding when there’s a concern.

Feeling lonely and disconnected can have very negative impacts on overall health and wellbeing. Relationships are an important and normal part of human development; in fact, healthy relationships are essential. If you’re feeling a lack of connection, choose to cultivate relationships with others through community involvement, reaching out to family, or even connecting with old friends.