Why Relationships Matter

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Flourishing relationships are one of the strongest predictors of health and well-being.

To connect deeply with others, we must remember to disconnect from screens and other distractions.

Like physical fitness, relational fitness requires intention, practice, and care.

Decades of research suggest that flourishing relationships are one of the strongest predictors of health and well-being. In a large meta-analysis of 148 studies, psychologist Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a founding scientific chair for the U.S. Foundation for Social Connection and the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection, found people with stronger bonds had a 50 percent greater likelihood of survival than those with weaker ties. Similarly, the Harvard Grant Study of Adult Development has emphasized relationships as foundational to thriving and aging well.

Yet, despite the importance of relationships, we often take them for granted—especially when life gets busy. Modern life can leave us preoccupied with productivity, distracted by the pursuit of pleasure, and pulled in countless directions by the many demands competing for our attention.

As Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation, argues, the attention economy is wreaking havoc on our well-being. To connect deeply with others, we must remember to disconnect from screens and other distractions that are hijacking our attention. While we may have good intentions, it’s our actions—reaching out, active listening, sharing, and showing up—that help us maintain strong ties.

I was reminded of the importance of relationships at my 35th college reunion last week.

We recently wrote about clearing out not only our homes, but also our minds—making space for what matters most in our lives.

Throughout the reunion weekend, I focused on being more intentional: less rushing, less scrolling, fewer superficial conversations—and more presence, connection, and depth........

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