Need for Closeness

Psychologists (starting with attachment theory) have found that having someone emotionally in-tune and physically or emotionally close is a powerful buffer for stress and a boon for healthy development. In other words, feeling closely connected – for example through shared quality time, attentive listening, and responsive care – protects people (especially children) by helping them regulate their emotions with support from another person (a process called co-regulation). This need for closeness may drive us to seek warm, reliable relationships. Secure attachment in childhood is linked to better coping with fear and stress, and even in adults, social support from a loved one can calm the body’s stress responses. By cultivating closeness and trust, individuals become more resilient: they recover faster from adversity and gain confidence knowing someone “has their back.