Having positive close relationships – especially with a romantic partner – can make a massive difference to your wellbeing in the short term. Why? It’s all to do with the hormones that get released when we spend time with someone we’re connected with.

“When we feel securely connected to a partner, our body produces oxytocin (also known as the love hormone), which lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts immune function,” explains Dr Lalitaa Suglani, an award-winning psychologist and dating expert for eHarmony. “Positive, genuine relationships also encourage healthy habits, and partners who support each other are more likely to exercise, eat well and engage in self-care, leading to better physical and mental health,” she adds. “So overall, it does have an impact.”

We know that having a range of different relationships is also important for brain health, especially as we age; a study of over 450,000 adults found that social isolation was associated with an increased risk of dementia. This may be because social interaction helps to build our cognitive reserve – a ‘safety net’ against cognitive decline built by keeping your brain active.

Having a healthy sexual relationship can also have a huge positive impact on your wellbeing; sex can boost your immune system, improve your cardiovascular fitness and reduce your stress when it’s truly pleasurable.

Is your relationship bad for your health? How your connections impact your wellbeing, and what you can do about it