ABSTRACT
Good intimate relationships are the best and strongest predictor of happiness and life satisfaction-even more than an education, a good job, an expensive home, a portfolio of wise investments, or a bank vault full of money. Psychological health is a winner if people have a close, loving relationship. Recovery from trauma and avoidance of depression is significantly better for those in loving relationships than those without. Intimacy builds resilience to stress and trauma, it reduces susceptibility to depression and anxiety, and it enhances one's feelings of happiness and well-being. In order to love and care freely one need to be free from Attachment. The contexts in which couples often create and build loving relationships are often based in nature. Such contexts facilitate the creation of shared positive experiences and emotions, and can go on to sustain and enhance the quality of continuing couple and family relationships.
