Relationships are connections between people or groups of people that are mutually beneficial, such as friendships, family ties, romantic relationships, and professional relationships. Regardless of the type of relationship, they all have one thing in common: They are important to your mental and physical wellbeing. In fact, having healthy relationships has been linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety, better sleep, stronger immune systems, and even a longer lifespan.
When it comes to relationships, the most important factor is whether you feel safe and supported by your partner. In order to feel this way, you need to have a mutually respectful and understanding connection. This means that you and your partner respect each other’s alone time, your past and present relationships, and your values and goals for your future. It also means that you can communicate openly and honestly, without judgement or interruptions. This includes being able to talk about topics that are difficult, such as infidelity or jealousy.
Lastly, your partner should be someone who makes you happy and brings out the best in you. They should make those butterflies flutter in your stomach, and they should be someone that you want to spend the rest of your life with.
However, no relationship is perfect, and there are some common challenges that people experience in their partnerships. In our survey of Couply users, the top challenges included communication and trust issues. When talking about these challenges, it’s important to always focus on solving the underlying issue, not putting off difficult conversations or blaming one another. If you’re struggling to find a good solution, it may be helpful to seek the help of a professional therapist.