Yes, it’s not just the cascade of neurochemicals from physical contact that help couples feel good. There are other, albeit less understood, plusses that come from dating and relating.
According to a Barbados Advocate interview with Harry Reis, PhD and co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Human Relationships, married people [and others in close relationships] can expect to experience:
- Less depression and substance abuse
- Lower blood pressure
- Natural pain control
- Longer life
The biggest surprise? Faster healing: “researchers at Ohio State University Medical Centre gave married couples blister wounds and among spouses who interacted warmly with each other - theirs healed nearly twice as fast”.