‘I really love…’: Shraddha Kapoor on what she looks for in a partner and how skipping time with loved ones impacts her mood; expert on why social connection matters | Feelings News

What we do in our relationships — and even what we don’t do — can have a profound influence on how we feel, function, and connect on a daily basis. Actor Shraddha Kapoor recently opened up about the importance of quality time to her, not just in romantic relationships but also in friendships and family ties. “I really love spending time with my partner and doing things with him like watching a movie, going for dinner, or travelling. I am generally someone who likes to spend time doing things together or even not doing things together,” she said in an interview with Cosmopolitan.
She went on to compare her relationship experiences with how family and friendships affect her mental state. She stated, “For instance, even with my school friends, if we don’t meet, it affects my mood. Yesterday, we had a family lunch, which was so uplifting and invigorating, and the same goes for my relationship.” 
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While Shraddha did not reveal the name of her partner, she did acknowledge being in a relationship. In the same interview, she also spoke about the concept of marriage. “It is not a question of believing in marriage or not, but more a question about being the right person, and therefore being with the right person. And in case one feels they want to get married, then that’s great. But if they feel like they don’t want to get married, that’s great too,” she said. 
While her words reflect emotional honesty, they also point to a lesser talked-about aspect of health: how emotional bonds, consency, and shared experiences can have a direct impact on our psychological and physiological well-being.

So, can a lack of social connection or quality time in relationships lead to chronic stress or mood disorders over time?
Neha Cadabam, senior psycholog and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells , “Yes, the absence of meaningful social connection can impact our emotional well-being significantly. As social beings, humans are wired to seek connection, both emotional and physical. When these connections are missing or disrupted, it can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, which research has linked to heightened stress, anxiety, and even depression over time.”
Quality relationships, whether with family, friends, or a partner, offer emotional grounding, notes the expert. “Without them, people may find it harder to regulate stress responses, leading to prolonged activation of the body’s stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, this can take a toll on overall mental and even physical health.”
What psychological or neurological benefits does simply being in the presence of someone you trust offer?
According to Cadabam, simply being in the presence of someone we trust can activate our body’s relaxation response. “This is rooted in the concept of ‘co-regulation,’ where just sharing space with a safe, supportive person helps calm the nervous system.”Story continues below this ad
Neurologically, she mentions that the hormone oxytocin — often referred to as the ‘bonding hormone’, is released during such interactions, even subtle ones like sitting quietly together. Oxytocin helps reduce stress, promotes emotional bonding, and enhances feelings of safety.
“Moreover, such quiet companionship also fosters a sense of psychological security. It strengthens the foundation of a relationship, where both individuals feel accepted and understood without the need for constant verbal communication or activity,” she says.