When you think of a relationship, you probably picture an intimate connection with someone you care about. You may think of a spouse or significant other, a parent, sibling, friend, coworker, neighbor, or acquaintance. Relationships are a big part of our lives and can vary in many ways, from close and intimate to distant and challenging. Different types of relationships make up our social support network, which is pivotal to our physical and mental well-being.
A healthy and positive relationship is one that has a strong emotional bond. It provides a sense of safety and trust, allows each partner to be their authentic self, and supports each other’s personal growth. While every relationship has challenges, the key to a healthy relationship is how it is navigated and strengthened through those difficult times.
People who have strong and positive relationships often report feeling loved and valued. They say that their partners bring out the best in them, teach them valuable lessons, and help them become a better version of themselves. People who don’t have healthy and positive relationships may feel like they are alone or unsupported in their life. They may have a hard time talking about their feelings and expressing themselves. They may also be unable to see or recognize negative behaviors in their partner.
Whether your relationships are casual, platonic, or intimate, it is important to have balanced ones. What balance looks like in each relationship can be different, but it’s generally characterized by the amount of love, energy, and attention you give and receive. Balance can also be determined by examining the quality of communication, mutual respect, and equality.
Intimate relationships may include sexual intimacy and feelings of romance or love. Intimate relationships may also be defined by a bonded feeling that is developed over time and includes a high degree of trust and reciprocity. People in intimate relationships usually rely on one another for support, as they are interdependent and mutually influence each other.
Some relationships are based on friendship, with the focus on shared interests and activities, such as working on common projects, attending the same events, or hanging out. Friendships are often mutually beneficial, and they may involve a lot of laughter and jokes. Other relationships are based on a strong and meaningful emotional connection, such as those that lead to marriage or civil unions.
For some, a romantic relationship is all about the spark of attraction. The initial thrill of a potential partnership can be addictive, and people are willing to sacrifice a lot to keep it going, even if they don’t know if it is long-lasting or sustainable. The problem is that once the spark is gone, it’s not easy to reignite. Infidelity is the first and last straw for some couples, but a surprising number of couples remain together even after betrayal. This can be due to the enduring benefits of a relationship or because they have learned how to manage their differences.