Relationships are a big part of life. Whether it’s with a close friend, romantic partner or family member – healthy relationships are vital to our well-being. They provide us with a sense of belonging that helps us weather the stresses and setbacks of life. Studies have shown that people in healthy relationships live longer and experience better mental health.
In a relationship, each person takes on a role in order to make it work for both of them. This means being able to talk things through when you have disagreements, supporting each other through difficult times and spending time together. In addition, both people should feel happy in the relationship, which may mean compromising sometimes.
Ultimately, it’s about trust. When you trust your partner, you believe they have your best interests in mind and won’t hurt you physically or emotionally. This trust also includes believing they are honest with you and will treat you with respect.
Relationships can be hard to maintain, especially when you’re working or taking care of kids or a sick relative. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be fulfilling and rewarding if both parties are committed to making it work.
Many people struggle to establish and maintain healthy relationships because they think that they have to be difficult or exhausting. The truth is that relationships do take work, but not in the way that most people imagine. Think of the work you put into a hobby that you love or a project at work that really excites you. That’s how a relationship should feel — not overwhelming or draining, but exciting and meaningful.