Five ways your girl makes you a better person

All the romantics out there clicked on this story from Men's Health reminding us of the benefits of a /mens-health/g/16256958/five-ways-your-girl-makes-you-a-better-person/>great girlfriend.

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that men in relationships prefer that attractive women keep their distance. In one study, a group of men - some single, some taken - were given a dose of oxytocin, also known as “the love hormone.” Then they had an attractive female researcher approach the participants. The woman asked the men to speak up when they thought she was at an “ideal” distance from them. The result: Tied-down dudes had bigger personal bubbles, preferring the hot scientist to stay about 28 to 30 inches away from them, while single guys liked her about 20 to 24 inches away. Blame oxytocin, which is released when you cuddle, kiss, or hold hands. Researchers think if you’re committed, it boosts your fidelity, literally leading you to distance yourself from other potential options. MORE: What not to say on a first date

A recent study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that you could be the more emotional one in the relationship, not her. While ladies may take a breakup worse, guys are more stressed when there’s trouble in paradise. But you also experience more of an emotional boost when things are going well with her. Why? Since women generally have larger support systems than guys, your relationship with her could be your main source of intimacy, exaggerating the good and the bad. MORE: 25 of your firsts and bedroom fails

Even when you snooze, she’s right by your side. Your significant other shows up in at least 20 per cent of your dreams, reports a new study in the journal Dreaming. (Yes, Dreaming.) But she isn’t in your head just because you spend time with her — dreams usually represent ongoing feelings or worries, many of which could relate to your relationship. MORE: What sexual chemistry actually is

She really may be your better half: a 2012 study in The British Journal of Psychology found that the mere presence of an attractive woman put men on their best behavior. In the study, people performed tasks in which they could make selfless donations. Men were much more likely to dole out money and help others when a woman was watching, compared to when a man was present. Interesting side note: the women’s behavior stayed the same no matter who was watching. MORE: Four women reveal why they strayed