Relationships are a huge part of our lives. They make up a vital social support network that helps us feel more resilient to stress and negative events. They also give meaning to our life and allow us to take greater risks and chase our dreams.
A healthy relationship is characterized by trust, mutual respect and emotional support. It is a partnership where both partners put the other’s needs before their own and are willing to compromise. They are interdependent, but they still maintain their individual identities and independence. Healthy relationships are also characterized by loyalty, honesty and affection. They are based on a solid foundation of mutual trust and respect and encourage each other to be their best self.
The need for human connection appears to be innate, but the ability to form stable, healthy relationships may be learned. Early experiences in infancy and childhood with caregivers who met the infant’s needs for food, care, warmth, protection, stimulation and social contact may establish deeply ingrained patterns of relating to others.
The key to a happy and fulfilling relationship is to choose wisely who you open your heart to. Look for quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to risk rejection for love. If you are dating someone, be sure to communicate your needs clearly and respectfully, and don’t fall into the trap of putting their happiness above yours. Loving someone means putting up with their bullshit from time to time, but it also means loving yourself enough to let them know when they’re hurting you (before it gets too late). It is also important to have healthy relationships outside of your significant other, so that you are not unhealthily dependent on other people.