Good relationships take work. Even the couples we admire—like David and Victoria Beckham, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, or Barack and Michelle Obama—have faced challenges and weathered tough times.

In a culture of instant gratification and the allure of the new, it’s tempting to cut and run, especially after a betrayal like an affair. Rebuilding trust isn’t very fashionable and can be a social stigma, but it’s often worth it. Relationships are tough, but they challenge us in ways that benefit our mental health and well-being and even extend our lives.

Studies consistently show that people in supportive long-term relationships are healthier and live longer. One major study found married people were 20 percent less likely to die prematurely than their unmarried peers. Other research highlights improved cardiovascular health and better cancer survival rates. Recent neurological evidence even suggests that single people have a 42 percent higher risk of developing dementia.

Why?

It’s complicated. But simply put, long-term, loving relationships offer a built-in support system. Your partner helps curb unhealthy habits and promotes good ones—like visiting the doctor, moderating your drinking, or eating well. They encourage early diagnosis and recuperation if you get ill. Emotional and intellectual engagement over time even seems to preserve cognitive function.

Long-term relationships are also associated with greater financial stability. Married couples, in particular, tend to pool their financial resources. Economic stability reduces stress and........

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