The Importance of Relationships for Your Health
- Angie Marie
- Mar 12
- 5 min read
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my journey of healing, it’s this—your relationships matter. They can be your greatest source of strength or your biggest source of stress. The people we surround ourselves with have a direct impact on our mental, emotional, and even physical health. And trust me, I’ve lived on both sides of that reality.
The Power of Real, Lasting Friendships
This past weekend, I took a solo trip back to my hometown to spend time with my best friend of over 20 years. And when you’ve been friends that long, you’ve been through some things.
We spent hours reminiscing about our 20s—back when we thought attention was currency and the clubs were our stage. If there was a questionable decision to be made, we made it—usually while wearing very little clothing and chasing validation in all the wrong places. But looking back, it all makes sense. We both grew up in similar backgrounds—poverty, neglect, and the kind of childhood that makes you strong but also makes you settle for less than you deserve for way too long.
And that’s why we’ve stayed close all these years. No matter what life threw at us, we’ve always been a safe place for each other. No judgment. No criticism. Just unconditional love, some tough truths when necessary, and an unspoken agreement that we don’t hold each other’s past mistakes against us.
Sure, I’ve made new friends over the years, but not many make it into my close circle. Because at this point, my intuition has a strict vetting process. Some friendships are for a season, and I’ve learned something from every single one of them. But the ones who stick—the ones who see you, flaws and all, and love you anyway—those are lifers.
And let’s be honest, ladies, you know the kind of friendship I’m talking about. The kind where nothing is off-limits. Deep conversations, embarrassing stories, and yes, even the shape of our poop. Because when you find a friend who can discuss everything from past traumas to digestive concerns with the same level of seriousness? That’s when you know—it’s a forever kind of friendship.
But relationships don’t just impact us emotionally. They literally affect our health.
The Science Behind Healthy Relationships
Did you know that the quality of your relationships can directly impact your well-being? Studies show that positive relationships:
Lower stress levels
Reduce the risk of chronic illnesses
Boost immune function
Increase longevity
On the flip side, toxic or unhealthy relationships can do some serious damage. Anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, inflammation, stress-induced breakouts—yeah, all of that can be linked to the energy you allow in your life.
For years, I ignored my gut feelings. I stayed in situations that drained me, thinking that was just how relationships worked. And the stress from that? It didn’t just live in my mind—it lived in my body. Anxiety turned into chronic inflammation, pain, breakouts, and a whole list of other symptoms that no amount of self-care could fix.
But when I started choosing better relationships, my body started healing too. And that’s the good news—healthy relationships heal you. The first step? Recognizing and breaking the cycle of toxic connections.
Do you find it harder to let go of toxic relationships or embrace healthy ones?
Letting go is tough
Accepting the good is scarier
Overcoming the Impact of Unhealthy Relationships
Healing isn’t just about moving past the bad; it’s about learning how to accept the good when it finally comes.
After my marriage ended, I reconnected with someone I had known for a long time. No pressure, no expectations—just a friendship that had always been solid. And when it did evolve into something more, I had a moment of realization:
"Wow, this is what a healthy relationship looks like."
Followed immediately by:
"Holy shit, this is terrifying."
Because when you’ve spent years being undervalued, ignored, or manipulated, a healthy relationship doesn’t just feel refreshing—it feels foreign. I caught myself wanting to self-sabotage, to put up walls, to downplay my feelings—because if he saw all of me, the wounds, the insecurities, the places I was still healing… what if that was too much?
But here’s the truth: a good partner doesn’t make your healing disappear—they just make the process feel safer. And that’s something I had to learn the hard way.
When you’ve been exposed to toxic or unhealthy relationships, it’s easy to carry those wounds into new connections. I’ve been there. I spent years struggling to trust, to communicate openly, and to believe I deserved love and respect. My childhood, my marriage, my past friendships—all of it shaped how I approached relationships.
But here’s the thing: you can’t build healthy relationships on a foundation of unhealed trauma. You have to do the work. You have to face the patterns, the fears, the unhealthy coping mechanisms. And you have to surround yourself with people who align with your growth.
What’s more important in a relationship?
Emotional support
Personal growth
The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded People
Ever notice how some people leave you feeling energized while others leave you feeling exhausted? That’s not a coincidence.
The past couple of years, I’ve been intentional about who I let into my space. I’ve chosen relationships that bring me joy instead of drama. I’ve distanced myself from negativity, gossip, and people who suck the life out of me. And let me tell you, the peace that comes with that? Unmatched.
When you surround yourself with like-minded people—those who share your values, your aspirations, your mindset—you create a support system that propels you forward. Whether it’s through wellness communities, coaching groups, or simply friendships built on mutual respect, these relationships matter.
And just as important as cultivating good relationships? Cutting off the ones that drain you.
Do you believe the people you surround yourself with affect your health?
Absolutely! Energy is everything
Not really, I don’t notice
Creating Distance from Toxicity
I get it—letting go of toxic relationships is hard, especially when history or obligation is involved. But here’s the truth: your peace is non-negotiable.
When I finally set boundaries with toxic people in my life, it felt like a weight was lifted. Yes, it was painful. But the space I created allowed me to focus on relationships that actually nourished me.
And remember this—you are not obligated to set yourself on fire to keep others warm.
Have you ever experienced physical symptoms from a toxic relationship?
Yes, stress hit my body
No, never noticed
Practical Tips for Healthier Relationships
So, how do you cultivate healthier relationships? Here are a few steps:
Prioritize Communication – Be open, honest, and set clear boundaries. Healthy relationships thrive on real conversations.
Do the Inner Work – Heal your past wounds so they don’t dictate your present connections. Therapy, journaling, and mindfulness can help.
Seek Out Like-Minded Communities – Find people who share your values. Join a fitness class, a book club, or an online group that inspires you.
Set Boundaries – Protect your energy. If a relationship drains you, it’s okay to walk away.
Quality Over Quantity – A few deep, meaningful connections are worth far more than a large circle of surface-level friendships.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, relationships are a cornerstone of our health and well-being. The people you surround yourself with shape your energy, your mindset, and even your physical health. So choose wisely.
Let go of the ones that drain you. Hold on tight to the ones that lift you. And remember—you deserve to be surrounded by love, support, and people who make you feel like the best version of you.
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You deserve healthy, thriving relationships. Now go build them. 💛