Whether romantic or platonic, intimate relationships are a cornerstone of living a life well-lived. They provide a wealth of benefits including lower stress levels, restful sleep, improved mental health and robust physical health.
Healthy relationships require effort, but the work isn’t as difficult as you might think. Just like practicing a musical instrument or studying for a test, the more you do something, the better you become at it. In relationships, this means that with practice, you’ll improve your communication skills and learn how to resolve conflicts.
People who regularly engage in healthy relationship activities experience greater happiness and contentment than those who don’t. They’re also more likely to be resilient in the face of challenges, which is particularly true for couples. Having the support of close friends and family provides you with an emotional safety net that helps you bounce back from setbacks and stay focused on what really matters.
Intimacy
In healthy relationships, you and your partner share a special bond based on mutual trust and respect. This may include sexual intimacy and feelings of romance or love, but it can also involve daily acts of affection like hugs, kisses, cuddling, and even just spending time together talking about your day and sharing your passions. Physical intimacy is not always a necessity, and your relationship can be healthy without it. It’s important to communicate with your partner about how each of you want to express your intimacy and that both of you are on the same page when it comes to meeting those needs.
Relationships can also be a source of inspiration and motivation for personal growth. If you have someone in your life who believes in you and supports you even when it doesn’t fully align with their own goals, you’ll feel more confident to take risks and chase your own dreams.
Community
People who live in stable and loving relationships often report a sense of belonging. This is especially true for couples, who benefit from a stronger sense of community when they’re committed to each other. This sense of belonging can help to reduce the risk of depression and loneliness, which are common problems in relationships. In fact, many studies have found that people who are in healthy relationships have a higher quality of life than those who are not. They’re less stressed, have fewer health issues and are more satisfied with their lives. So if you’re not in a healthy relationship, it’s worth the work to create one. And if you already have one, it’s worth taking the time to nurture it and make it as strong as possible. Because when you do, your life will be full of good things to appreciate every day.