In a society continuously evolving, the role of relationships and their impact on our well-being has become a topic of growing interest.
As Millennials increasingly choose alternative paths to fulfilment, many forego traditional marriage while Gen Z seems to be gravitating back toward more traditional family values, including the "tradwife" lifestyle.
Both generations offer valuable lessons about love, connection, and the pursuit of happiness.
What does science say about the importance of relationships? How are these shifting dynamics influencing our overall well-being?
Why relationships matter
A recent Twitter thread curated by therapist Brian Maierhofer caught my attention. He presented compelling scientific evidence on the power of love and human connection, asserting that marriage is "the single most important thing in your entire life."
While this might sound dramatic, Maierhofer’s claims are backed by a wealth of research showing that relationships, romantic or otherwise, are vital for our physical, emotional and even financial health.
At the heart of his argument lies a fundamental truth: humans are social creatures. We are wired for connection.
Studies have consistently shown that love and closeness can produce measurable benefits, from reducing stress to improving sleep and boosting overall happiness.
I'm a therapist, and I hate to break it to you:
— Brian Maierhofer (@IamProHuman) October 12, 2024
Your marriage is the single most important thing in your entire life.
Here's why (backed by science): 🧵 pic.twitter.com/drRgzOSc6Q
The absence of connection, on the other hand, can negatively impact health. It leads to increased cortisol levels, which contribute to faster ageing, weakened immune systems and higher risks of heart disease.
In short, love can quite literally save your life.
Redefining relationships without marriage
Despite these compelling benefits, more millennials than ever are choosing not to get married.
A survey by the Pew Research Center showed that only 44% of Millennials were married by the time they were in their mid-30s, compared to 61% of Gen Xers at the same age.
This shift doesn't necessarily reflect a rejection of relationships but rather a redefinition of what fulfilment looks like.
1. Lack of Love Causes Disease
Absence of love leads to increased cortisol, the stress hormone:
• Faster aging
• Difficulty sleeping
• Digestive & gut issues
• Weakened immune system
• High blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease
All related to an increase in…
Many Millennials still believe in love and long-term partnerships but they are finding satisfaction in non-traditional forms of connection, whether through cohabitation, friendships or chosen families.
They prioritise emotional and personal growth, seeing marriage not as a necessity but as one of many paths to happiness.
For this generation, fulfilment comes from flexibility, autonomy and the ability to explore life without being tethered to societal expectations.
Can you thrive without marriage?
The idea that marriage is no longer the ultimate marker of a successful life is not unfounded.
Numerous studies have shown that unmarried individuals, when in supportive relationships or surrounded by strong social networks, report levels of life satisfaction that are comparable to their married counterparts.
Emotional closeness, trust, and shared experiences, the cornerstones of any healthy relationship, can exist outside of marriage.
In fact, Millennials are proving that happiness is multifaceted. Travel, career growth, deep friendships and self-care are all components of a fulfilled life.
The rise of co-living spaces and the growing emphasis on mental health reflect this broader, more holistic approach to wellbeing.
Millennials are navigating relationships on their terms and finding that love doesn't have to come with a marriage certificate to be meaningful.
While Millennials are carving out new paths, Gen Z appears to be gravitating back toward more traditional values, as seen in the rise of the "tradwife" movement.
The term "tradwife" refers to a woman who embraces traditional roles of homemaking and motherhood, valuing a family-centred life.
For some in Gen Z, this is a reaction to the fast-paced, digital world they grew up in, where independence and career success were often placed above personal relationships.
Interestingly, this shift reflects a deep yearning for stability and connection in a world that often feels chaotic. Gen Z has witnessed the struggles of Millennials: student debt, economic instability and the emotional toll of “hustle culture.”
In response, some members of this generation are seeking out more grounded, family-oriented lifestyles, finding solace in marriage and traditional roles as a way to reclaim a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Love, marriage and wellbeing: The benefits you can’t ignore
Regardless of generational preferences, the benefits of close relationships, whether romantic or platonic, are undeniable.
Maierhofer’s thread emphasized several key advantages of marriage, many of which extend to long-term relationships in general, married or otherwise:
1. Emotional well-being: Marriage and strong relationships contribute to increased happiness, better emotional regulation, and lower rates of depression.
These connections foster a sense of belonging and identity, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
2. Physical health: Love and emotional closeness can lower cortisol levels, improve sleep quality, boost the immune system and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The release of progesterone in close relationships helps regulate stress and promotes overall health.
3. Financial stability: Studies show that married couples tend to accumulate more wealth over time.
Married men, for example, earn 40% more than their single counterparts, while married women earn 8-10% more. This financial security can translate into lower stress and improved quality of life.
4. Children’s well-being: When children grow up in stable, nurturing environments, whether in married households or not, they experience better emotional regulation, improved social skills, and higher academic achievement. ‘
A loving and supportive home plays a critical role in their overall development.