Relationships are any connections between people, whether they’re intimate and close or distant and challenging. Different types of relationships help make up your social support network, which is important to both your physical and mental health.
In a healthy relationship, you maintain a meaningful emotional connection with your partner and you both feel emotionally fulfilled. You also respect each other’s values, beliefs, and habits. You and your partner may not always be in agreement, but respectful communication goes a long way toward resolving problems and building a strong foundation.
For many people, a romantic relationship is their ideal relationship and can bring them a lot of joy. They can look forward to having a partner to share their lives with, someone who will cheer them on in the good times and be there for them when things are tough. They can have a confidante, best friend, and lover all in one person, and they can look forward to being with their soulmate through the ups and downs of life.
Despite all these benefits, relationships aren’t for everyone. They can also be selfish, with both partners focused on their own needs and ignoring each other’s. Some people stay in toxic relationships out of fear of being alone or because they’re unable to function without their partner’s financial or emotional support. Ultimately, relationships can be very beneficial or detrimental to your mental and physical health, so it’s important to know the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.