People are social creatures and the human body is designed to live in relationships. We learn and grow through our relationships, including friendships, familial, romantic and platonic. During adolescence, young people develop relationships with peers and caring adults that influence their identity formation.
Whether we call them friends, family, partners or spouses, relationships bring us happiness and satisfaction. They also give our lives meaning and purpose. When people are able to sustain their relationships they are more resilient in the face of life’s challenges and may even add years to their life.
A relationship can be defined as any association or connection between two or more individuals that may be intimate, sexual, positive or negative. When we talk about a “relationship” most often it refers to a loving and trusting partnership in which one person shows deep love, respect, care and companionship for another person. In most healthy relationships, there is a balance of healthy communication, physical intimacy and emotional closeness.
There are several types of relationships, such as a dyad (two-person relationship), trio (three-person relationship) and quadrilateral (four-person relationship). Some researchers believe that humans evolved to form groups and have relationships as a way to survive.
In a healthy relationship, both partners communicate openly, honestly and respectfully. They also share interests and values. This is important for a happy, healthy relationship because it allows each partner to feel like they are a part of the other’s world. They are supported and cheered on in their pursuits and have someone to lean on when times get tough.
A relationship can also be a source of fun and laughter. Being able to laugh together is a great stress reliever. It can also help you to keep a sense of humor in the face of difficult situations.
Physical intimacy may include kissing, hugging and cuddling. However, it is important to remember that not everyone has a desire for or is comfortable with sex in their relationship. Physical intimacy can be just as meaningful if you prefer to hold hands, go on walks or spend time with your partner doing something that makes you both happy.
One of the best ways to know if you are in a good relationship is to set boundaries with your partner and respect them. If they ignore your boundaries or treat you poorly it could be a sign that they don’t have the potential to be a long-term partner. Similarly, if you notice that they don’t respect your privacy or your needs, this is a red flag. Be sure to discuss these issues with your partner and work together to find solutions that are mutually satisfying. Ultimately, being in a relationship is all about having a partner that you can count on to make you smile, understand you when no one else can, and encourage you to be your best self. So, if you have found that person, cherish them!