Relationships are complex constructs that depend on multiple aspects, including the well-being of both parties, communication patterns, and emotional connection, among others. Nowadays, the internet is the primary tool that people use to find a significant other. According to researchers, both males and females tend to find partners and friends online rather than in person (Rosenfeld et al., 2019). While the internet has given individuals more options and a greater chance of finding a loved one, couples still meet challenges and obstacles that affect their relationship, marriage, and personal mental state. Researchers have examined the topic of relationship satisfaction and came to a significant conclusion that may help partners find stability and mutual understanding. A balanced relationship correlates with emotional and sexual intimacy alongside healthy communication patterns.
Emotional/Sexual Intimacy and Communication
Most couples are keen to have a high level of emotional intimacy and healthy communication patterns within their relationships. A study that researched both physical and psychological intimacy within straight couples found that it correlates with overall satisfaction (Yoo et al., 2013). Moreover, favorable romantic partnerships tend to be described as healthy in terms of communication and discussions regarding personal concerns and worries. The same pattern is found in lesbian and gay couples, suggesting that emotional intimacy plays a vital role in the couples’ well-being (Guschlbauer et al., 2017). Such concepts are essential for both genders and constitute basis measures that coexist within couples satisfied with their current situation.
Dissatisfaction
Marriage is considered an overall positive aspect in regards to mental health, stability, and overall happiness. However, certain concepts prove that romantic relationships have to be healthy in order for them to positively influence the parties involved. For example, specific evidence shows that the highest satisfaction rate is shown in individuals who are engaged and are to get married before this rate stabilizes or declines during the marriage itself (Huntington et al., 2021). Several implications may affect the well-being of relationships, including a lack of proper communication and intimacy. An example of forced isolation and distancing is the incarceration of one of the partners. A study shows that this scenario leads to instability and churning among family members (Turney & Halpern‐Meekin, 2021). Such findings suggest the importance of sexual and emotional intimacy combined with healthy communication that facilitates discussions on all concerning topics.
Conclusion
The majority of people strive for healthy and favorable relationships that positively influence them as individuals and contribute to overall satisfaction and well-being. Moreover, the internet has created an environment where looking for a significant other is more accessible, and the choice is much broader. However, people are still keen to understand how they can improve their relationships and find out about the relevant concepts in terms of happy and healthy marriages. Several aspects are considered to be essential for fulfillment and contentment within romantic partnerships. Specifically, emotional and sexual intimacy and communication are some of the most significant notions that researchers correlate with relationship satisfaction. A couple that reports excellent physical and mental connection alongside frequent conversations on intimate topics tends to be more efficient in regards to outcomes, pleasure, and physiological well-being. These findings provide people with the knowledge of what to improve and strive for within their personal lives. Individuals may assess their own feelings towards their partners and communicate ways to reach a more fulfilling emotional or physical connection.
References
Guschlbauer, A., Smith, N. G., DeStefano, J., & Soltis, D. E. (2017). Minority stress and emotional intimacy among individuals in lesbian and gay couples: Implications for relationship satisfaction and health.Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(3), 855–878.
Huntington, C., Stanley, S. M., Doss, B. D., & Rhoades, G. K. (2021). Happy, healthy, and wedded? How the transition to marriage affects mental and physical health. Journal of Family Psychology.
Rosenfeld, M. J., Thomas, R. J., & Hausen, S. (2019). Disintermediating your friends: How online dating in the United States displaces other ways of meeting. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(36), 17753–17758.
Turney, K., & Halpern‐Meekin, S. (2021). Incarceration and family instability: Considering relationship churning. Journal of Marriage and Family.
Yoo, H., Bartle-Haring, S., Day, R. D., & Gangamma, R. (2013). Couple communication, emotional and sexual intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 40(4), 275–293.