by Andrew Hubbard

Created on: August 06, 2008

You would imagine that this question would be a no-brainer, whether you think a long-term relationship is better than a short-term relationship. Apparently some people, usually those who tend to be in the center of the social spotlight, seem to prefer short-term, meaningless relationships. This is usually caused by an inability to build emotional bonds, or the insecurity of allowing another person to understand what some might see as a vulnerability. This is the very reason why long-term relationships are the dominant choice, emotionally and socially.

In a world where money and glamour make you popular, and popularity sells, all a long-term relationship is is a ship waiting to sink. If you can sustain a relationship through the countless curveballs life tends to throw your way, not only will you feel rewarded in an emotional sense, but you will have another person with you who has the same overall concern in mind. That concern is your well-being.

There have been many people throughout the years who were raised without the benefit of proper communication or love. They did not have the luxury of experiencing these relationships, so they feel repelled by the mere thought of it. They crave attention, yet fear committment. A long-term relationship is the perfect therapy for such an affliction. Not only will it help to mend the scars of their up-bringing, it will teach them to love and show affection towards others, rather than isolating themselves in their own emotions. Withdrawn and aloof are good terms to use when describing someone who has had minimal interaction. The relationships don't last because humans care about emotions, and ignoring those emotions is ignoring a part of your being. If you refuse to display or open up these emotions people will see you as impersonal or phony.

You may think that you know yourself, but until you have built a long-term relationship, you have only seen the tip of the iceburg that is your true potential. We all need someone to help give us an extra boost. We are all in need of motivation at one point or another. When we starve ourselves of this extra source of energy, we retard our own development as human beings. We grow shallow and vain when we should be growing deeper and more intimate.

Short-term relationships feed our carnal urges, but doesn't nurture our spiritual needs. Relationships help us to grow and understand the world around us. If we shut ourselves out of those experiences we are depriving ourselves of growth that is mandatory, in order for us to be truly happy. Happiness is something seldomly felt alone. Actually, isolation is a leading cause of depression. Interaction is vital to human growth. Babies need it, teenagers need it, and adults need it. You CAN NOT live a truly happy life without experiencing a long-term relationship, whether it be relatives, friends, spouse, children, or even co-workers. Any form of a lasting relationship is crucial.

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