We all share a tendency towards addiction; however, no two people develop it in the same way or intensity. This is due to several factors such as biochemical dysfunction, dopamine release, or some emotional imbalance. Addictions are classified into different categories in order to develop the correct clinical or psychological treatment. The most simple one places addictions into two: behavioral (gambling, sex, religion, work) and consuming (drugs, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, or food).
Treatment has proven successful in both these categories. However, there is a pathological attachment that is dangerous and complicated yet rarely studied: addiction to relationships. The need to have someone by your side and at your disposal, whether it’s called codependency or something else, is actually at the core of 90% of ongoing relationships. This leads us to believe that when it comes to love and relationships, psychology is still very much in the dark.
What we do know is that these pathologies surface after particular stages in human growth. It’s highly unlikely for a child to develop any kind of addiction since their brain has yet to make associations between stimulants and pleasure. Years of investigation have shown that hazardous attachments are not linked to maturity, considering how many adults, including successful professionals, endure some kind of addiction they’re not aware of. So basically, childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood are the best times to enjoy of life’s small pleasures, one of them being love.
The aforementioned reason is one of the many of why it’s best to discover love during your twenties. It’s not just about the choice to make the most out of your relationship, but also the best way to consolidate your emotional and mental maturity next to someone you love and who also loves you back.
You’ve overcome the unstable conflict-craving stage of your teens.
The memories you and your partner will share during these years will be unforgettable.
You can make plans together to try new and different things that don’t cost that much money.
The sex is way better at this time in life.
It’s likely that your heart has already been broken, so you’re more than ready to face whatever life might throw at you.
Both of you can start talking about what you want for the future.
You have more opportunities to stay out late or go on trips on your own.
Senseless fights will stop being a norm.
College, work, and other things will keep you from falling into codependency.
At this age everything tastes better and you seem to appreciate it more.
You have less responsibilities and more free time to spend with your partner.
Your emotional maturity is ready to love in a deeper way.
You partner will be by your side during moments of personal and professional growth, and you’ll be there for theirs.
It will be easier to adapt to each other’s peculiarities.
You won’t have trouble socializing with your partner’s friends or vice versa.
Your twenties should not go by like any other moment in your life. They’re the best time to explore and find love since you and the object of your affection are more willing to fight for what you want. This is the right time to show your true self without fear of being judged. There is no greater, more faithful, and unconditional love than one built on truth.
Translated by María Suárez
