We hope this post finds you savouring the after-taste of a fantabulous festive season! We also hope you remember a little contest we ran here a couple of weeks ago. 21 days to be precise. Yes, we are talking about the 21 Day Challenge to Romance Your Wife! Now we didn’t exactly get a response from you guys (yes, we know you’re out there reading- say hi will ya 😉 ) but we’re guessing it’s because you’re too…um, busy. But we do want you to know that there are some surprising benefits of being in a romantic relationship. So those 15 minutes we’d asked you to invest each day, actually translate into 15 tangible good-for-you’s! Curious? Read on!

1. Being in a romantic relationship amps up those feel good chemicals

Get those feel good chems soaring!

Think dopamine and testosterone! One of the many benefits of being in a romantic relationship, especially one that is long term and committed, is the boosting of these feel good chemicals that are seriously good for your well being.

2. You live longer

You’ll live to see so many golden sunsets together!

No kidding! Numerous studies have found that married men live longer than men who never married or those whose marriages ended. And it doesn’t stop there, they also tend to have better lifestyles and fitness levels. Just think about all the good those 15 minutes can do for ya!

3. You also get rich!

Good for your heart…and your credit card ;)

And we are backed by research here, which shows that married people accumulate more wealth over time compared to singles or divorced people. Good news for you and your credit card, huh?

4. One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship = less stress

You and your heart are in very good (and stress free) hands!

Guess what? Having a special someone in your life has an overall calming effect that’s good for you. One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is lower cortisol levels (or the stress hormone) which can protect you from the harmful effects of stress.

5. You get to max your free time

Chill out…with someone special, always by your side

You may enjoy your alone time, but let’s face it, it’s so much more fun to be around someone you love during your spare time. Whether it’s fun, leisure, hobbies or just plain ‘ol hanging out, being in a romantic relationship means you have a 24/7 go-to partner for whatever it is you want to do in your free time!

6. You have an in-built emotional support system

An emotional support system like no other

While women are more likely to have numerous people they can turn to for emotional support, men tend to rely more solely on their partners. Which is why being in a romantic relationship can mean an awesome emotional support system, in turn boosting psychological health benefits.

7. You have fewer mental health issues

Holding your hand through sickness and health…

Yeah, we know what you’re thinking. You wife drives you crazy sometimes! But on a serious note, one of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is significantly fewer mental health problems like depression, anxiety and mood disorders. That would be fifteen minutes well worth the effort, eh? 😉

8. Being in a romantic relationship means less pain…

Love hurts? Quite the opposite in fact!

Does love hurt? That may be the popular notion, but in reality one of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is being better able to cope with physical pain as well as faster healing, as proven by numerous research studies.

9….and long term happiness

Raise a toast to happiness…forever!

Romantic relationships can be a lot like wine, in that they get better as you age:) There is evidence that being in a romantic relationship, especially one that is long term is a big happiness booster and promotes feelings of contentment and emotional security.

10. Another one of those surprising benefits of being in a romantic relationship? It lowers your BP!

Know what else? It’s good for your BP!

The evidence is out there; being in a romantic relationship is good for your blood pressure! It has to be a happy, committed relationship to make the cut, but of course.

11. You get fewer colds

Even better than adrak chai ;)

Think we’re crazy? Listen to this: being in a romantic relationship can reduce stress, anxiety and depression and up positive emotions, giving your immune system a natural boost and leaving you fighting fit to battle those nasty cold viruses. Nothing to sneeze at!

12. It is great for your self perception!

No need for an ego boost, you’ve got it made!

It’s simple, being with someone who loves you, makes you feel good about yourself. And over a period of time you internalize your partner’s positive judgements of you.

13. You pick up on each other’s good habits

You can piggyback on each others good habits!

The company you keep can also be good for your health:) Being in a romantic relationship translates into picking up each other’s good habits, whether it’s being more conscientious about money or visiting the dentist regularly.

14. You build a lifetime memory bank

A lifetime of memories to cherish…together

One of the great parts of building a life together is the wonderful memories and shared experiences you can look back on together with time. These not just promote happiness but can also act as tools for personal and relationship growth.

15. You have a personal cheerleader!

You get to have your very own cheerleader!

Someone who constantly reassures you, knows you intimately, can be a best friend-guide-cum critic and not just that, can correct your mistakes and biases as a result of knowing you over a period of time. As the song goes, it cannot get better than this!

So there you have it! 15 great reasons to invest those 15 minutes each day. So even if we don’t hear from you (but we’d really, really like to!) we’re hoping you do invest that time to get the most out of your relationship with your partner.