Relationships are a huge part of your social support network, and can make a difference in how you deal with stress. They can range from close and intimate to distant and challenging, but all contribute to your happiness and overall well-being.
A relationship is a connection between two people that can take many forms, from platonic friendships to marriage and civil unions. It can be a romantic or non-romantic relationship, and can involve sex, emotional intimacy, companionship and love. Healthy relationships require open communication, trust, mutual understanding and unflinching support.
You can get an idea of the health of a relationship by looking at how much you give and receive. A balanced relationship involves equal amounts of giving and taking, and can include anything from affection to energy to advice to physical touch. The specifics of what is given and received may vary between relationships, but all healthy relationships are founded on mutual respect and an understanding of each other’s needs.
Intimacy: This is the most common definition of a relationship, and can be sexual or not. A healthy relationship should be based on emotional intimacy, which can also include hugging, cuddling and kissing. The goal is that you feel loved and accepted, and that the person understands you completely and supports your dreams. Intimacy is the key to a healthy relationship, and is essential in long-term commitments like marriage or civil unions.
Companionship: A relationship is a partnership that provides emotional support and stability. This can include sharing meals, taking trips or doing hobbies together, like baking cookies or going hiking. It can also include activities that provide a sense of community, such as joining a book club or watching one movie together a week. In a healthy relationship, you’ll be able to enjoy each other’s company without needing to spend a lot of time together.
Trust: In any relationship, trust is essential, and it can be the most difficult to establish. It starts with listening to each other, and then putting your trust in the other person’s actions and words. It can be difficult to trust someone you’re in a committed relationship with, but it’s essential for maintaining a happy, healthy relationship.
Loving someone with the same goals, values and priorities can help motivate you to work towards your best self. In addition, loving people can be a source of constructive criticism and feedback, helping you see areas where you can improve.
A healthy, stable relationship can add years to your life. However, not all relationships are created equal, and there are some red flags that you should look out for to avoid a toxic relationship that could be harmful to your mental or physical health. Cheating, infidelity, emotional abuse and other serious issues can cause a relationship to crumble quickly, even after years of commitment. To help you determine whether or not a relationship is a good fit for you, registered psychotherapist Natacha Duke, MA, RP, shares some tell-tale signs of a happy and healthy relationship.