Relationships are a big part of life and make up an important network that supports your physical and mental health. Different types of relationships have different levels of intimacy, commitment, and support. Some are short-term, like a summer fling, while others are more permanent, such as a marriage or civil union.
Having healthy, long-term relationships is key to living a happy and fulfilling life. People with strong social connections are more resilient to stress and feel as if they have a sense of belonging, which can lead to improved overall well-being.
Everyone has an image in their mind of what a relationship should look like. You and your significant other share responsibilities, finely balance your time together and your time for yourself, pursue engaging and invigorating interests, take turns cleaning the toilet and cooking gourmet lasagna for awkward family gatherings, and celebrate every little milestone.
In reality, relationships can be a lot more complicated and messy than that. Even in the most stable and happy of relationships, there will be hiccups, arguments, and disappointments that can shake your foundations and make you doubt what you really have.
The key to keeping a relationship healthy and positive is having open communication and respect. It’s also important to remember that you can never force a relationship to progress at a certain rate. If you try to push too hard, you may crash and burn, leaving you with nothing but a mess to clean up.