Relationships are an important part of human life. They add meaning to our lives, and they can even make us happier and more fulfilled. There are many different types of relationships that we can have: family relationships, friendships, acquaintanceships, and romantic relationships. Some of these types of relationships may overlap or intersect with each other.
In healthy relationships, people listen to each other without judgement and communicate openly. They respect each other’s interests and hobbies, and they are committed to spending quality time together. This includes learning new things together, exploring each other’s bodies, and having fun. For romantic relationships, this also means talking about sex and intimacy in an open and honest way. People in healthy relationships are disciplined about not treating their partners poorly, and they know that they can count on each other to be there for them.
There are a few dynamics that can cause people to stay in unhealthy or toxic relationships. These include one partner being the helper, and the other being the passive participant who is easily overwhelmed or conflict-averse. These dynamics can sometimes be a result of unrealized childhood trauma or mental health problems. It can also be a result of one partner being overly-responsible or trying to “fix” the other.
In a healthy relationship, there is a balance between work, family, friends, and the couple. The couple should have their own projects and activities that they enjoy together, such as taking a weekly movie night or creating a couples culture project. The couple should also be able to take time away from each other when needed, and they should be comfortable sharing their feelings with each other.