Relationships are associations between people that may be intimate, platonic, positive or negative. Typically, when we are talking about “being in a relationship” or “being in love,” we are referring to a romantic relationship that involves some level of physical intimacy and commitment (whether or not the partners wish to be married). A relationship may be long-term or short-term and can take many forms from casual dating to ethical nonmonogamy.
Healthy relationships can offer emotional intimacy, security and a sense of stability that help reduce stress and provide support during difficult times. In addition, they can give individuals a chance to learn more about themselves and develop their communication skills, as well as the ability to resolve conflicts.
One of the biggest reasons why relationships fail is that couples begin to treat themselves as half a whole. This can cause the two to forget about their own lives, and the individual may become too involved with the other person. This can be suffocating and can result in breakups.
It is important for both individuals to have their own hobbies and interests, as well as maintain friendships outside of the relationship. This can prevent feelings of jealousy from developing, which can lead to unhealthy and destructive behaviors in the relationship. It’s also important to remember that everyone makes mistakes. Forgiving each other for these mistakes can help prevent the relationship from becoming toxic.