Relationships are the foundation of a happy life. They provide support and emotional intimacy to reduce stress, help people feel encouraged and a sense of belonging. They also offer beautiful opportunities for personal change if you are willing to work at it. There is plenty of research that shows the benefits of a healthy relationship, however much of this research tends to be qualified with “emotionally supportive,” or “close,” or “healthy.”
Whether you are a man or woman, a heterosexual or asexual, in a committed relationship or not, there is no doubt that relationships are part of the human experience. In fact, many people are born with a predisposition to form close bonds with others and seek out companionship in one form or another throughout their lives.
Many people stay in unhealthy relationships because they’ve heard that healthy relationships take work, and they believe that means that the work should be hard or exhausting. At Love is Respect, we think that the work required in a healthy relationship is similar to the work you put into a hobby or school project – it takes time and effort, but it’s also enjoyable and fulfilling.
Physical intimacy in a relationship often refers to sex, but it can include anything from kissing to cuddling. It is important that both people in a relationship are comfortable with and happy with this aspect of their relationship, as it is an essential component of emotional connection and bonding.
