Relationships can provide a sense of connection and belonging. They can give us confidence and support as we take risks or pursue our dreams. They can also help us navigate life’s challenges and offer a shoulder to lean on when we need it. They can be as simple as the four-year-old child who has a favorite playmate or as complex as the long-term marriage between two people. Whatever form they take, healthy relationships are characterized by mutual trust and respect, regular interactions, and security.
The word relationship may be most closely associated with romantic relationships and marital commitments, but they can also refer to any type of close bond between individuals. Family, cohabitation, friendships, and mentoring are just a few examples of relationships. The term may also be applied to business or organizational relationships.
In general, the first step in developing a relationship is acquaintanceship. In this stage, the two people get to know each other by sharing basic information, such as names, dates of birth, and occupations. Next comes friendship, which involves more intimate shared experiences and increased trust. In this stage, the two people begin to share a more personal side of themselves and possibly engage in sexual activities. Eventually, intimacy grows into the romance phase of the relationship.
Once the romance stage is reached, the relationship moves into the committed stage. This is generally considered a more serious and permanent arrangement than the casual relationship or triad. A major indicator of a moving towards this stage is an increase in the amount of time and energy that the two partners invest in the relationship. In addition, this phase generally involves an agreement of exclusivity and a promise to treat each other with respect and honesty.
Healthy relationships require an equal and healthy amount of giving and taking. This may be measured by the amount of affection, energy, love, and support that is given and received on a daily basis. It may also be measured by the level of open communication in the relationship. The ability to listen and be empathetic to your partner’s thoughts, feelings, and concerns is an important part of this.
A common problem with relationships is that one or both partners become emotionally manipulative in an attempt to control their partner. This can be as simple as limiting how often the other person spends time with friends or how they spend money, as it can be more intense, such as controlling how much physical affection is shared. Other problems include ongoing conflict, a lack of emotional connection, and different values or goals. While conflict is natural in most relationships, it should never be abusive or lead to feelings of resentment and distrust. If the relationship is not moving in a positive direction, it may be time to consider counseling or other interventions.