One hallmark of success in life may be the ability to sustain a long-term relationship. People in lasting relationships tend to live longer and stay healthier.

Research shows that they report more happiness in life, more rewarding social interactions, and lower instances of substance abuse. Maybe the most important aspect of living within a successful permanent relationship is that a person not only feels loved, but also is able to share love with somebody else.

Do you have an aspect of yourself that you would like to change?

If you are interested only in superficial things like wanting more money or getting a better-looking body, this article is not for you. However, if you are interested in changing your personality, getting off drugs, starting a relationship, or any number of other meaningful challenges, please read on.

Editor's note: This support column was initially run on Feb. 18, after several high profile losses occurred in our community. After the recent deaths of Daniel Bodenmiller and Ray Portillos Leon in the past week, SDGLN and the author felt it was fitting to run again, as a means to help the community at large cope with the loss of these two larger-than-life individuals, who meant so much to so many.

Relationships are an integral part of human existence. Whether a relationship involves a friend or family member, people around us make an impact on our lives in some way or another.

We are all pleasure seekers. There are pleasure centers located in the human brain, which, when activated, are associated with feelings of euphoria. This happens to us every day.

During the day we go through naturally occurring periods when we feel comfortable, secure, happy, and fulfilled and this is followed by periods when more negative feelings are aroused (anxiety, insecurity, discomfort). We humans are highly reinforced by positive feelings of pleasure. We want to experience euphoria again and again.

Fortunately, that’s not all there is to life.