Belongingness, a fundamental human need, is crucial for well-being and survival. Romantic relationships exemplify this need by providing deep emotional satisfaction, happiness, and personal fulfillment. First defined by Baumeister and Leary in 1995, the psychological concept of belongingness posits humans have an innate desire to form and maintain stable, meaningful interpersonal connections. This bond with individuals or groups is critical to physical and psychological health.

Romantic relationships involve intimate knowledge, commitment, and diverse emotional experiences. High expectations, including intimacy, companionship, security, emotional fulfillment, personal growth, and sexual satisfaction guide successful relationships.

This essay explores the essence of belongingness, the core components of durable romantic relationships, and the practical strategies for achieving lasting success in these intimate bonds.

Belongingness is a deep connection and inclusion within a relationship or social group. It comprises feelings of acceptance, attachment, and loyalty, showing a mutual rapport. While "belonging" implies feeling a part of and connected, "belongingness" speaks to the innate human need to seek and maintain these vital connections. Both are primary resource requirements for women and men.

Baumeister and Leary proposed that this drive is a primary motivation underpinning physical and psychological well-being. They argued that enduring emotional bonds, fostered through frequent, positive, and reciprocal interactions, are essential for personal and social health. Just as humans require food and safety, they also need consistent, dependable relationships to thrive.

At its core, belongingness nurtures lasting emotional bonds and fosters mutual care. Its evolutionary significance can be seen in human survival, from forming social groups to the intimate pair bonds........

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