Relationships are an important part of our lives. They help us feel connected to others, support our mental health, and provide a social network that helps us navigate difficult times.
There are several different types of relationships that we might have, including family, friends, acquaintanceships, and romantic relationships. Some relationships are very casual and involve little to no interaction or contact, while others require a lot of work and effort to sustain and grow.
A healthy relationship should have these five characteristics:
Certainty and comfort
You know that your partner will always be there for you and care about your well-being. This certainty also means that you don’t have to worry about your partner doing anything that could cause you pain or suffering.
Trust and intimacy
In a healthy relationship, partners trust one another and enjoy spending time together like friends or family members. They also feel free to talk about their problems without feeling judged or threatened by their partners.
Affection and physical attraction
When you are in a good relationship, your partner will be attractive to you and make butterflies fly inside of your stomach. This is a sign that your partner is emotionally attached to you and wants to spend their life with you.
Communication and honesty
In a good relationship, you communicate with your partner regularly about things like what’s working for them, what’s not, and how you can both benefit from the connection. This is essential to having a good relationship, because it helps you avoid misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts.