 Getting into a relationship can be exciting, fun, and life changing, yet scary at the same time. Are you wondering if you've met the one yet, or are you still longing for a lifelong partner? Not sure if getting into a relationship is a good idea? Here are eight reasons why getting into a relationship is actually good for us. 1. Sharing your life with someone you love makes you happier. Having a partner be there for you during the ups and downs in life feels validating and less tough. Life is full of surprises. Did you just get promoted? Did you start your own business? Perhaps your dog passed away? It's nice to know that there is always emotional support when you need it. It's comforting to know that there is someone who cares about you in a different way, and shares your burden in life as well as your happiness. 2. Being in a relationship helps you grow mentally. Many things in life cannot be learned from textbooks. Being a supportive partner is one of them. We are transformed by who we allow in our lives. Our partners are able to influence and change our outlook on life. Many research studies have shown that people in healthy relationships have changed for the better because of being in a healthy relationship. Based on data from a pair of UK surveys, the study found that happiness was even higher among couples who saw their spouse as their best friend. In a study by the American Sociological Association, people who are in a relationship or married has reported significantly higher life satisfaction than those who are single, separated, divorced, or widowed. Also, we get to learn what it is like to give and receive in a relationship and how to compromise with one another. 3. It feels comforting to know that someone loves you for you. In social situations, we might tend to show our best selves and hide the part of ourselves we feel ashamed to show the world. Opening up to someone is scary, but it can be rewarding and relieving when it is the right person. Being vulnerable takes courage, but it is very assuring when your partner has seen the part of you during your worst days. They know your quirks, habits, and your deepest darkest secrets, but still love you for who you are. 4. You are more productive. With the right partner, you can get more things done. Even boring tasks like housework and errands can feel less mundane and more fun when you do it with someone. After all, two is better than one. Teamwork is key. A writer named Chris Bailey spent 10 days living and working in complete isolation in his girlfriend's dad's basement as an experiment, and he hated it. According to Chris, living in isolation was one of the most difficult experiments, but it did teach him one key lesson related to getting stuff done. People are the reason for productivity. In his blog called A Life of Productivity, he writes, People are why we do what we do, and why we push ourselves to accomplish more. 5. You are healthier. Did you know? Physical and emotional intimacy with your partner keeps you happier. According to scientists, physical intimacy such as sex and physical touch help us reduce stress and get better sleep. For example, a study published in January 2015 in the American Journal of Cardiology found that men who had sex twice a week or more had less risk of cardiovascular disease such as a stroke or heart attack than those who had sex once a month or less. When you're intimate, chemicals like oxytocin are released that make you feel closer to your significant other. It also helps promote a deeper connection with your partner, hence a more fulfilling relationship and better emotional health. 6. Your risk of depression is reduced. Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Fortunately, being intimate and romantic in a relationship causes the body to release feel-good hormones such as serotonin, making you feel happy and energetic. This helps reduce your risk of depression. According to a Health and Human Services report, getting married and staying married reduces depression in both men and women, and research in the areas of physical health has shown that high levels of social support may actually improve prognosis in such conditions as cancer and myocardial infarctions by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression that can often be associated with these illnesses. 7. No more disastrous online dating experience. Some people embrace the single life. They may enjoy spending time with others, but they don't want to commit to any of them. But admit it, online dating is truly a fun yet weird place. Dating a bunch of people whom you're not really connected with can be nerve-wracking and stressful. Once you are in a serious relationship, you will realize committing to your partner who gets you is way better than small talk with random dates. 8. It brings excitement into your life. Being committed to someone who has the same values as you and wants the same thing in life is truly a precious thing. You feel excited and happy when you finally find someone like this because you see a future in each other. Perhaps down the hill, you desire to start a family, have kids, or start a business together. Even though relationships can be hard work sometimes, if you feel you are emotionally secure and ready, being in a relationship with the right person can be truly rewarding, comforting, and good for your health. When you are ready or have met that special someone who has potential, why not give a relationship a try and see where things lead? Tell us about your relationship stories we'd love to know.