Science says relationships beat kale for longevity. Bad news: people are messy, annoying, and impossible to put in a smoothie.
There is a strong relationship between healthy relationships and longevity. According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development (running for over 80 years, the longest study of its kind) found that the quality of relationships—not money, not fame—was the strongest predictor of both health and happiness in later life. People with supportive, close relationships lived longer and healthier lives. Here’s the issue for lots of people and there is no way around it. Relationships are messy. From time to time we irritate each other. We can grate on another’s nerves. We can be hurt by others. If you want to live a long life get used to getting messy. Get used to forgiving other people. Get used to living with stuff that makes you feel uncomfortable. And, get used to not always getting your way. Of course, you can go in the opposite direction, fall deeply in love with the person in the mirror and make that person the center of your universe. Problem with that is that your circle is only large enough for one ego.
😏 Snarky Points to Ponder
Next time your best friend irritates you, just whisper: “You’re literally adding years to my life.”
Think kale is the fountain of youth? Sorry, it’s Aunt Martha who chews too loudly at Thanksgiving.
Relationships mean forgiveness. Yes, even for the guy who still doesn’t use his turn signal.
Falling in love with the mirror? Cute, but your reflection won’t visit you in the hospital.
Relationships are messy, loud, and sometimes maddening—but apparently, so is living longer.