Relationships are interactions with other people. They can be platonic, romantic or familial in nature and involve different levels of intimacy and commitment. Relationships are important for many reasons: they provide emotional support, they offer a sense of belonging and can help with self-esteem. They can also help with mental health and physical health, for example people who are in healthy relationships tend to have better immune systems.
It’s important to be able to communicate with the people in your relationship and know what each of you wants and needs from the relationship. Talking regularly is a good way to keep up the connection, and listening carefully can avoid misunderstandings. It’s also helpful to have some fun activities you can do together, like going for a walk, watching a movie or doing a DIY project. Consistency is key – once you’ve set a date to do something, try and stick to it. It can also be helpful to learn how to disagree respectfully, avoiding blaming or shaming each other and instead focusing on finding common ground.
People who are in healthy relationships often feel a strong bond with their partners, but they also maintain their own individual identities and respect each other’s opinions and experiences. They also learn to compromise, share responsibilities and respect each other’s independence. People who are in good relationships are often happier and less stressed. In fact, studies are showing that positive relationships can have the same impact on our stress levels as sleep, exercise and a healthy diet.
