Guilty Pleasures Can Be As Enjoyable As Romantic Relationships
Research shows connection can come from the most unlikely places
We all need to feel connection, which is why we pursue romantic relationships in the first place — and why great relationships make us feel so good inside. But we don’t always need other people — whether it’s partners, friends, or family members — to be around in order to experience that feeling of connection. In fact, according to research in Self and Identity, non-traditional social strategies can actually fulfill our social needs every bit as much as spending time with the people we love. These activities can include reading a novel by your favorite authors, tickling your taste buds with yummy comfort foods, spending time with pets, binge watching your favorite television shows, playing games, and engaging in the guilty pleasures you enjoy.
“We live in a society where people are questioned if they’re not in a romantic relationship, if they decide not to have children, or they don’t like attending parties.” — Shira Gabriel
“People can feel connected through all sorts of means. We found that more traditional strategies, like spending time with a friend in…