Relationships are any connections you make with other people. They can be platonic, romantic or both. There are four main types of relationships: family relationships, friendships, acquaintanceships and romantic relationships. There are also many variations within each category, for example, you can have a relationship with someone as a friend and another as a romantic partner.
Relationships can be a great source of happiness and enjoyment. However, if you have too many unhealthy or one-sided relationships it can be emotionally draining and cause mental anguish. It’s important to have healthy, balanced relationships so that you can get your needs met and feel supported by those around you.
A healthy relationship includes a mutually beneficial exchange of love, affection, energy and support. You should be able to freely express your feelings and concerns without fear of retaliation or degradation, and your significant other should be able to talk about things that bother them as well.
You can have meaningful relationships that don’t involve sex or physical intimacy, as long as you can maintain a connection with the person and communicate regularly. These types of relationships can be easier to maintain because they can avoid some of the more intense challenges that come with romance.
The most important aspect of a healthy relationship is trust. You should be able to trust that your partner will always have your best interests at heart and won’t intentionally harm you physically or emotionally. You should also be able to respect their choices, independence and freedom to spend time with their friends and family.