Persuasive essay fundamentals and techniques

¶ … Man Needs a Woman

What's love got to do with it? Apparently, love has a great deal to do with a man's physical and mental health. Studies have shown that men in long-term, committed relationships -- usually married relationships -- live longer, healthier and more satisfied lives. It may seem like a cliche from a Lifetime movie, but it is true: a man needs a woman in his life.

The Mayo Clinic recently reported on studies that show people who feel isolated and lacking in support lead shorter, unhappier lives. "Loneliness and isolation can lead to significant health risks. But for people who have cancer, heart disease or impaired immune system function, the outlook is better if they have a support network" ("The Power of Connection" 1). Although there can be different kinds of support networks -- family, friends, classmates, and co-workers, for example -- the kind of support provided in a romantic relationship can be especially meaningful. Physical intimacy, which is usually part of a strong romantic relationship, forges an emotional and deeply spiritual bond between people. "It can be a way to connect with each other during both times of joy and sadness" ("The Power of Connection" 2-3). Being able to celebrate together, share in simple joys, and being able to laugh together are as important as it is to be able to provide comfort in times of stress or unhappiness. The connection a man has with a woman can make the good times even better, and they can help him get through the difficult times.

Biology has programmed human beings to fall in love. Survival of the species depends on it. Perhaps that is why falling in love just feels good. "Pleasurable experiences…enhance biological flexibility, complexity and health protection. Love and pleasure facilitate trust and belief into the body's capability of restoring or maintaining health" (Esch and Stefano 265). Man has evolved to fall in love. It is good for us.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield in England found in interviews with couples happily married for twenty years or more that a consistent sex life was a key factor. "Sex is hardly the only (or even the best) measure of how happy a couple is [but] it is a kind of romantic superglue" (Mahoney). A physical relationship helps keep couples together, fostering a sense of love, commitment and trust.

A physical relationship between a man and a woman does not simply mean sexual intercourse. There are other ways a couple can achieve intimacy, which means a strong connection between then. Doctors at the University of North Carolina found that hugging can dramatically lower blood pressure. Researchers asked couples to sit close to each other and hug; a difference in blood pressure was noted right away, similar to the effect that can be seen with blood pressure medication (Mahoney). Obviously it is better for people if they can use natural remedies to take care of their health instead of pharmaceutical ones. Hugging costs nothing, yet the benefits are great.

There are practical and economic considerations, in addition to health benefits, that emphasize the need a man has for a woman. When two people live together and share expenses, they can often live better than if they lived apart. Costs for monthly budget items such as groceries and utilities do not increase significantly whether there is one person or two. For example, it costs just as much to heat an apartment occupied by one person than it does when occupied by a couple. Two people sharing a home can divide chores and errands, giving both people more free time to enjoy than if they each had to do everything on their own.