Relationships are a big part of what makes up your social support system, which is vital to your health. They can range from close and intimate to distant and challenging, and they can be positive or negative in nature.
Healthy relationships are characterized by trust, reciprocity, openness, honesty, and affection. They are also marked by good communication and healthy boundaries. The ability to compromise and work through differences is another important aspect of healthy relationships.
Intimate and emotional intimacy is one of the most rewarding parts of a relationship, but it also requires a lot of work. You and your partner should communicate about what physical intimacy means to you, and respect each other’s feelings and boundaries. Physical intimacy can be kept alive by regularly making time to do activities that are meaningful to you, like going on a date or spending an hour together at the end of the day just sitting and talking.
You should feel safe in your relationship, and you and your partner should be able to discuss any issues that might arise in a healthy way. If you or your partner feels unsafe, it is a sign of an unhealthy relationship.
It is also important to remember that a healthy relationship involves two independent individuals. If you are trying to change who you are to fit into your relationship, it is not healthy and could eventually cause harm. It’s also important to keep in mind that a relationship is not just about romantic love; it can be friendship, platonic, familial, or even professional.