So, in case you were pondering whether being in love could actually become any more tiresome, we’re here to tell you that it just did. Science, ever so eager to be the ultimate buzzkill, has added a new twist to the already convoluted concept of love. Now, apart from the constant barrage of heart emojis, surprise gifts and all those shared dessert plates, you’re also destined for a longer life if you’re in a healthy relationship. Great, isn’t it?

Oh Great, Yet Another Reason to Stay in Love

The universe, it seems, is dead set on making sure we are forever entangled in the throes of love. Not content with the physical and emotional roller coaster of being in love, it now transpires that love is also a potential elixir of life. Research has shown that individuals in stable, healthy relationships tend to live longer than their single counterparts. And no, before you ask, repeated arguments over whose turn it is to do the dishes do not count as ‘healthy’.

Being in a committed, loving relationship can impact your health in numerous ways. The support of a partner can lead to decreased stress levels, a healthier lifestyle, and better decision-making, all of which contribute to a longer life. So yes, you read that correctly – love might actually stop you from biting the dust prematurely. And just when you thought you were getting the hang of the single life, science swoops in and tells you to go find a partner if you want to live longer. I mean, who needs peace and quiet when you can have longevity, right?

Because Eternal Bliss Apparently Isn’t Enough, Now Love Promises Longevity Too

In case the romantic comedies and fairy tale endings weren’t enough persuasion, now we have science telling us that love can potentially add a few more years to our lives. So not only are you expected to bear the emotional baggage, – sorry, I mean, ‘joy’ – of another person, but you’re also expected to do so until you’re old and grey. Just great.

Love, you see, is not just about stolen kisses and sunsets. It’s also about shared responsibilities, mutual support, and… better cardiovascular health? Yes, apparently, our hearts are not just for feeling, but for pumping blood more effectively when we’re in love. The reduced stress and anxiety, improved mental health, and lower risk of depression that come with being in love can all contribute to a healthier heart and thus, a longer life. And you thought love was just about chocolates and roses, didn’t you?

So there you have it. Love, not content with making fools of us all, also gives us a reason to stick around on this planet for a little longer. It appears that being in a healthy relationship is not only good for the heart in the metaphorical sense, but also in the literal, keep-you-alive-longer sense. So, the next time you’re cursing your loved one for leaving the toothpaste cap off or stealing your fries, remember that they might just be the reason you’ll live to be a hundred! But hey, no pressure.

By John