Relationships are the people and connections that form an important part of your life. They can be a support system for you and help you navigate life’s challenges, or they can be unhealthy and draining. The right relationships can add years to your life and make living meaningfully possible, but maintaining healthy ones is a process that requires time and effort.
There are many types of relationships, including friendships, parent-child relationships, romantic relationships, and work and family relationships. When used in a more abstract sense, the word relationship can also describe an interaction or connection between groups of people, such as the relationship between ticket prices and sales.
In the context of a romantic partnership, a relationship is a close and intimate bond between two people. This can include mutual affection, shared interests, and even sexual intimacy. Couples in a relationship often use identifiers such as boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner to describe their status and the nature of their relationship with others.
Ideally, both partners in a relationship are happy with the arrangement and feel mutual respect for each other. However, it is not uncommon for conflict to arise. When this occurs, it is important to express empathy, listen without judgment, and resolve differences respectfully.
Healthy relationships are flexible, allowing for personal growth and a healthy degree of independence. For example, if your partner wants to train for a marathon, you may need to rework your weekly plans so they can take care of themselves and their own needs.