Relationships are associations or connections between people, whether intimate or platonic. Typically, when people talk about being in a relationship, they’re talking about a romantic relationship that involves emotional or physical intimacy and feelings of romance or love. This type of relationship can take many forms, from marriage to casual dating to ethical nonmonogamy. Relationships can also be strained or broken, and can involve feelings of anger or sadness. They may also be a source of great joy and happiness.
Humans are social animals, and most of us yearn for close relationships with other people. Research shows that healthy relationships can add meaning to our lives and even help us live longer. While everyone’s unique circumstances and personality influence their relationships, most close relationships have a positive impact on health.
People who enjoy their relationships generally have good communication skills and a strong sense of shared values. They know how to set boundaries and respect each other’s needs. They also avoid hurting each other, avoiding blaming or criticizing, and they can calmly express their thoughts and feelings without feeling defensive or attacked. They can also resolve conflicts fairly, using empathetic listening and respectful dialogue.
Some psychologists believe that people are wired to seek and maintain relationships because of an evolutionary need for group living, which improves survival chances and increases procreation potential. However, they also believe that the ability to form loving relationships is a learned behavior. This learning is thought to start in infancy, with early interactions between an infant and a caregiver who reliably meets the child’s needs for food, care, affection, attention, security, warmth, and protection.
Intimate relationships, which often include feelings of romance or love, are the most important in terms of personal well-being. They are often interdependent and involve sexual intimacy. Intimate relationships are also marked by a sense of shared values and goals, including future plans. People in such relationships may use identifiers like boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner to denote their status.
A healthy relationship requires commitment, and both partners must be willing to work at it. A strong bond is usually built through shared interests and activities, such as cooking together or taking a class. The level of commitment can also be determined by how much time the two spend together and by how open they are in their communication.
People who enjoy their relationships tend to have a strong sense of mutual support, which means they cheer each other on through life’s ups and downs. They also tend to have a higher self-esteem and are more confident in pursuing their dreams because they know that there is someone who will support them no matter what. In fact, having strong supportive relationships can actually increase longevity by reducing stress and helping people handle life’s challenges.