Relationships are the connections between people. They can be romantic, familial or platonic.
Regardless of how they are defined, relationships are important for a number of reasons. They provide stability and safety, which helps people feel more confident about making decisions. They can also help people find meaning in their lives and give them a sense of purpose. In addition, research shows that having close social ties can increase life expectancy and improve overall health.
In a healthy relationship, it’s not uncommon for partners to do things for each other without being asked. This is called natural reciprocity. However, in order to be healthy, this type of relationship should not become a form of codependence where one person is putting in more effort than the other. In fact, many times this can be the first sign of trouble in a relationship.
For most of us, the biggest reason to be in a relationship is that we want to love and be loved. In a healthy relationship, the love is mutual and is not dependent on emotional whims or fancy. True, lasting love is hard work, but it is well worth the investment.
Having someone you can talk to about your thoughts and feelings, even when there are disagreements, is the basis of a healthy relationship. If you can open up to your partner and listen to them with an empathetic attitude, it can be a great way to learn how to deal with conflict.
