Life is what you make of it. The question comes down to (presuming heteronormative relationships) does the woman in a patriarchal based society have the physical safety and gain the liberation she needs to be empowered to do everything a woman and man can?

On the other side of the fence, does the man get the emotional safety and the necessary touch so lacking in his soul to feel fully complete as a man.

In my observation of being a guy lucky enough to have had long term relationships, there is one thing that is a constant in all relationships.

Frustration.

The truth is though it is an opportunity to build and forge something stronger because no matter how much we can talk about gender and sexuality and equality, the truth is men and women have different points of view based upon biology and culture upbringing.

I have used this before ...

If a person is "1", if you have two identical people, a relationship will make 1 + 1 = 2. But if you have 50% differences ... 1 + 1 = 3. [ 0.5 + 0.5 ] and then the 0.5 2 for each side's differences that are gained.

The thing is that is in the 100% positive view. In a negative view 100% ... 1 + 1 = 0

Relationships are all about compassion, empathy, sympathy, loyalty, and the ability to forget and forgive.

The worst hell in the world is to have a man that forgets everything and a woman that remembers it all.

But TBH, having partnerships are critical for all of our well beings as we are a tribal based people who need each other to connect. It doesn't have to be sexual either.

I daydream (what can I say I am curious with a very vivid imagination) and I wonder sometimes how awesome it would be if the close circle of friends I have had in my life were all stuck on a cruise ship in an apocalyptic time.

I do know I would be saying ... hey Carlyn, watcha drinking at the bar on the top deck looking over the ocean ...

So in short ... it increases your chances of being happy but also whether you are frustrated.