Relationships are a huge part of our lives, forming an essential support network for our mental and physical well-being. There are many types of relationships, ranging from intimate and close to distant and challenging. Understanding the differences between different kinds of relationships may help us better understand and discuss them accurately.
A healthy relationship means that a person is connected with someone else, whether that’s a friend, family member, romantic partner or colleague. This connection is important for our mental health and can contribute to lower stress levels, restful sleep, stronger connections with others, and more.
In a healthy relationship, the people involved share certain values and have a strong bond of trust. They communicate openly and regularly, and double check to make sure they understand each other correctly. This can prevent misunderstandings from happening that lead to hurt feelings or confusion. They also care for each other, whether it’s through acts of service or quality time. They show their love in ways that are meaningful to the other person, such as showering them with gifts or making sure they have time to talk or go out together.
They respect each other’s space and have their own friendships outside of the relationship. They may also have shared hobbies or interests, such as cooking or reading. For example, some couples have couple culture projects like watching one movie a week or having their own book club. It is also important that a significant other can be trusted to spend time with other friends and family members without feeling jealous or worried that their partner will cheat on them.