Relationships are a part of life and one of the things that make us human. They are a way to connect with others, whether it’s platonic, romantic, family or friendship. They can also be a great source of strength and support as we go through the ups and downs of life. Relationships can be complicated and often require compromise, but they are worth it in the end.
In a healthy relationship, you are respectful of each other’s individuality and independence. You value the connection and bonding you share through affection, laughs and new experiences. You understand each other’s nonverbal cues and communicate openly and honestly about how you feel. You also set boundaries for personal growth and space, compromise when necessary and respect the core values you share.
You may also use the word “relationship” when describing interactions that don’t involve people, such as “the relationship between price and sales.” The concept of relationships has evolved over time and continues to change as we learn more about our environment and each other.
Some researchers believe that our need for healthy relationships starts in infancy, when we develop deep bonds with caregivers who reliably meet our infant needs for food, care, warmth and stimulation. We can then apply these learned patterns to other relationships throughout our lives, fostering the connection and security we need. These bonds also serve as a foundation for establishing the types of relationships we wish to have in our futures.