There are many types of relationships that we hold throughout our lifetime. There are friendships, acquaintances, work or professional relationships, community or group relationships, place-based relationships such as neighbors, just to name a few. And of course, there is relationship to self, and relationships with family members or relatives. 

These relationships can play tremendous roles during our lifetime, including helping us navigate an ever-changing world. But it’s not just that there is an upside to having many relationships in our lives. There is actually a downside to not having relationships in our lives.