‘I love having someone to talk to’: The unexpected reason people say relationships are worth the risks

Dating is often talked about in negative terms. People mention rejection. They talk about heartbreak, arguments, disappointment and sometimes the loss of independence that can come with a relationship.

That is exactly what one Reddit user wanted to understand. If dating can involve so many difficult experiences, what makes people keep trying? Why do people continue to seek relationships despite the risks?


The answers revealed that while dating may not always be enjoyable, many people believe the rewards of a meaningful relationship make it worthwhile.

One of the most common reasons people gave was companionship. One user explained that they want a partner to share life with. They also added that the possibility of sex is a significant motivator.

The comment highlighted something many people may relate to. Relationships are often about emotional connection, but physical attraction and intimacy can also play an important role.

For some, the idea of having a person to experience life's ups and downs with is a strong reason to keep pursuing relationships. Life can feel very different when there is someone beside you to celebrate achievements, support you during difficult times and simply be present during everyday moments.

One user had a very different perspective on rejection. According to them, rejection only hurts if a person believes it does. They argued that rejection cannot actually harm someone and that much of the fear exists in the mind.


The user referred to detachment in a Buddhist sense. They suggested that by letting go of the fear of rejection, asking someone out becomes a situation with potential rewards and very little downside. This view may not be shared by everyone, but it shows how differently people approach dating. For some people, rejection is a major obstacle. For others, it is simply part of the process of meeting new people.

Another user made an interesting distinction. They said dating itself does not appeal to them at all. Being in a loving relationship, however, appeals to them very much.

The user explained that they love getting to know people, especially women. They enjoy sharing their joys and burdens. They appreciate having someone to care for and someone who cares for them in return.

They also mentioned the value of having someone to talk to and someone who helps them through life. This response focused less on the dating process and more on what comes after it.

For many people, dating is simply a path that may eventually lead to a loving and supportive relationship. The relationship itself is what they truly want.

Not every answer focused on emotions alone. One user listed several practical and emotional benefits of relationships. They mentioned companionship, love, intimacy and having someone to split the bills with. While love often gets the most attention, relationships can also provide practical support.



Sharing responsibilities, helping each other through challenges and working together as a team are all things many people value.

For some individuals, these benefits make the risks associated with dating worthwhile.

Another Reddit user described dating in a simple way. They said it is about finding a person you want to date despite knowing you may get hurt. They called it a leap of faith. This idea appeared repeatedly throughout the discussion. No relationship comes with guarantees. People can get rejected. Relationships can end. Hearts can be broken.

Yet many continue to pursue love because they believe the possibility of something meaningful is worth the uncertainty. Rather than focusing entirely on what could go wrong, they focus on what could go right.

One of the most thoughtful responses described relationships as finding a new alignment, a new ally and a new companion to walk down life's endless road together, even if only for a period of time.

The comment captured an idea that appeared throughout many of the responses. People often seek relationships because they do not want to experience life entirely alone.

Having someone who understands you, supports you and shares experiences with you can be deeply meaningful. Even if relationships are not permanent, many believe the connection itself has value.


The Reddit discussion showed that there is no single reason why people pursue dating and relationships. Some are motivated by companionship. Others are motivated by intimacy. Some want emotional support. Others appreciate practical benefits.

There are people who see rejection as a manageable risk and people who simply believe love is worth taking a chance on. What united most of the responses was the belief that relationships offer something valuable that outweighs the potential downsides. For many people, dating is not really about avoiding heartbreak.

It is about the possibility of finding someone to share life with, care for and walk alongside for part of the journey.