Relationships are an important part of life. They can be romantic, familial or platonic. A relationship can be complex, and sometimes difficult to manage. Having a healthy relationship is essential for our physical and emotional health. People who are in healthy relationships are happier and less likely to suffer from mental and physical problems. Research suggests that relationships begin to develop in infancy and are shaped by the experiences of our early caregivers. These early experiences set deeply ingrained patterns of relating to others.
In a relationship, you are in a mutually supportive, intimate bond with someone. You share common interests and values, and support each other’s personal growth. You are also likely to have aligned life goals and a shared vision for the future.
You can count on your partner to respect your boundaries and needs. They listen to you, and they are happy when you are happy. Your partner is a source of stability and support, but they don’t depend on you for their own happiness or self-esteem.
In a healthy relationship, you communicate openly and honestly with your partner. You make an effort to understand each other, and avoid misunderstandings by clarifying what you mean before responding. You and your partner spend time together, but you also allow space for other activities such as hobbies, work, or friends. The balance between giving and taking is different for each couple, but it is generally considered healthy to give more than you receive.