Relationships are an essential part of our lives. They help us form a social support network that is vital to our emotional and physical health. They can range from platonic to intimate and can be based on love, trust, or even just admiration. They can be long-lasting, like a marriage, or short-term, such as a summer fling. Relationships are also a huge component of our mental health and can help with stress, anxiety, depression, and overall wellness.
What is a relationship?
A relationship is any kind of association or connection that is positive and beneficial. Typically, when people talk about being in a “relationship,” they are referring to a romantic relationship that includes emotional intimacy, physical closeness, and feelings of romance or love. These relationships can take many forms, from marriage to casual dating to ethical nonmonogamy.
A healthy relationship should be based on mutual respect and understanding. You should feel that your partner cares about you and your needs. They should also be trustworthy and dependable. In a loving relationship, you should never feel afraid to express your feelings and concerns, and they should be willing to listen without judgement. They should also be able to respect your boundaries and be able to communicate effectively. They should be able to agree on major issues, but they should also be able to resolve conflict without bullying, degradation, or insisting that they are always right. They should also be able to accept that sometimes disagreements aren’t always easily resolved.