Relationships are a huge part of life and the way we interact with people. They can be romantic or nonromantic and they range from acquaintances to friends, to partners, and on to family members, spouses, and children. The number of relationships we have at any one time may be as few or as many as we choose, but all healthy relationships share some common characteristics that make them worth maintaining for the long haul.
A relationship is any kind of connection between two people that involves sharing emotional, intellectual, and/or physical space or resources. People in healthy relationships are able to support each other in times of need and are able to express mutual respect, affection, and love. They are able to give and receive the things that each person needs, including sex, attention, intimacy, and physical closeness. The relationship is balanced in the amount of support and affection each person gives and receives, although what that balance looks like may be different for each person.
Some relationships are based on mutual dependency, with each person providing support to the other, while others are primarily characterized by an exchange of goods or services. In the case of a relationship that is primarily based on mutual dependency, each person may have their own career or pursuits they pursue outside of the relationship, but they still provide support to the other by contributing in some way to the health and well-being of the partner. In a committed relationship, there is often a lower production of the stress hormone cortisol and people who live together find it easier to cope with psychological stress.
Those in healthy relationships are able to trust their partner and believe they will not hurt them physically or emotionally. They are able to share their thoughts, feelings, and desires without fear of being judged or criticised. They can also accept the other’s flaws and weaknesses and respect their independence. The trust they have in each other is a key to the success of their relationship and can be a determining factor in whether or not a couple chooses to stay together.
People who are in relationships that they can trust have a strong sense of belonging and tend to be happier and healthier than those who do not. The benefits of having a loving and supportive network include a reduction in stress, better sleep patterns, a stronger immune system, and a more stable mental state.
The importance of relationships to our mental and physical health cannot be overstated. In addition to the support and security that a good relationship provides, social relationships help reduce depression and anxiety, enhance self-esteem, and increase a sense of meaning in life. A happy, fulfilling relationship is an integral component to living a full and meaningful life. By examining the factors that go into a healthy relationship and learning what to look for in a relationship, it is possible to find happiness, safety, and stability.