Whether they’re romantic or platonic, in person or online, Relationships are a cornerstone of a happy life. Relationships bring a wide array of rewards, including intimacy, closeness, support and even health benefits like lower stress levels. Yet relationships can also be a lot of work and some may require extra attention to keep them healthy.
Intimate relationships (also called romantic or love relationships) are a major part of most people’s lives, with some lasting for decades. However, there is no guarantee that they’ll last, and many couples struggle with issues like infidelity or a gradual loss of positive feelings.
Healthy relationships take work, but they don’t have to be difficult. At the heart of a healthy relationship is respect, and showing it to others in your life involves more than just saying “please” and “thank you.” It means accepting that they are who they are, choosing your words carefully, maintaining boundaries, and refraining from doing things that can hurt them.
A healthy relationship is a safe environment in which to become a better version of yourself, and it is also a place where you can express your needs, wants and feelings without fear of judgment. This kind of mutual growth is what makes a relationship a satisfying and meaningful experience for both partners. The benefits of this type of closeness and emotional support are clear: Research shows that people who have strong social ties live longer, and those who have a sense of belonging are healthier.