Are Your Relationships Ageing You?
This type of relationship might make you age faster.
We all have that one friend or family member who drains us more than they support us. Did you know that these negative social ties are not just annoying they could be ageing you from the inside out.
What the research shows
-
On average 1 in 4 people in your social network is a hassler and nearly 60% of people report having at least one of these stressful relationships.
-
Having more hasslers in your life is linked to accelerated biological ageing as measured by advanced DNA based ageing clocks.
-
Ambivalent ties also known as relationships that bring both support and stress are even more damaging than purely negative ones.
-
Beyond ageing faster people with more hasslers report worse self rated health higher depression and anxiety increased inflammation and more chronic health conditions.
What you can do
Here is where it gets practical. You do not need to torch every tricky relationship in your life but you do need to get smart about managing them.
-
Spot your hasslers. Be honest. Who leaves you tired instead of energised. Who do you secretly dread picking up the phone to. Write down their names if you have to. Seeing it in black and white is powerful.
-
Set clear boundaries. You do not need to answer every call instantly or agree to every favour. A simple “I cannot right now” is a full sentence. Use it.
-
Dial down ambivalence. If someone is hot and cold treat them as lukewarm. Keep the good moments enjoy them but do not bank your wellbeing on their mood swings.
-
Double down on the good ones. Spend more time with the people who make you laugh until your stomach hurts who believe in you and who tell you when you have spinach in your teeth. They are your real anti ageing serum.
-
Check your balance. If you are constantly feeling frazzled ask yourself is it really my to do list or is it the people on my to do list.
Connection is key
The right people restore your energy and protect your health. The wrong ones quietly chip away at both. Choose wisely and you will find yourself lighter brighter and yes even younger at heart.
So ask yourself today. Who is helping you thrive and who is sneaking years onto your biological clock. Your future self will be grateful you were brave enough to answer honestly.
By Penny Lane founder of The Perfect Cosmetics Company
