Relationships are a cornerstone of happiness and living a fulfilling life. When we are intentional about who we choose to spend our time with, how we foster our connection, and how we work through issues that arise, relationships can add significant meaning to our lives. They also add to our overall well-being and make us more resilient to stress. Studies suggest that people with strong social ties are more likely to live longer.
While the term “relationship” often refers to a romantic partnership, relationships can include any close attachment or bond that you share with another person. Depending on your personal preferences and situation, you may value factors like “Intimacy” less or more than someone else. Physical intimacy may include kissing, hugging, cuddling, and sleeping together, but it can also be a shared interest in other activities like cooking or doing home repair projects.
Having positive relationships can provide a sense of stability and security, which can enable you to take risks and pursue your goals. They can also boost your self-esteem and help you feel more confident and capable. In addition, having supportive relationships can enable you to bounce back more quickly from challenging situations.
A healthy relationship is one where you give and receive equal amounts of affection, support, energy, and time. It can be difficult to balance these things, especially if you have different interests or priorities, but it is possible to learn how to manage conflict and disagreements effectively.