Relationships are a big and vital part of life. They are the foundation of our social support network which is pivotal to both your physical and mental well-being. People in healthy relationships are more satisfied with their lives and are more likely to be successful pursuing their goals. However, these relationships are complex and can be challenging to maintain. It is important to recognize and learn the different types of relationships in order to be more effective when navigating them.
A relationship is any type of association or connection between two individuals, whether it be intimate, platonic, positive or negative. Most commonly, the term refers to a romantic relationship between a man and woman. This relationship type can be monogamous, non-monogamous, casual, formal, or committed and can include sex or physical intimacy.
In general, relationships are considered healthy if they are mutually beneficial and there is an equitable distribution of power, responsibility, and benefits. A healthy relationship also includes a sense of trust and closeness. Research has shown that happiness in a relationship is related to having five positive interactions or feelings for every one negative interaction or feeling. The onset of healthy relationships is believed to begin in early childhood, with the formation of attachments to caregivers who are able to meet an infant’s needs for food, care, warmth, protection and social contact.
The most important thing to remember about relationships is that they are not static; they are a process and must be nurtured. When relationships are not maintained properly, they can be damaging to a person’s health and may lead to depression or anxiety.
Some relationships are casual acquaintances who you might pass in the hall or smile at and say, “Hello.” These people help us feel connected to the world outside of our own homes and schools, but they are not a big enough part of your life that you would call them to hang out or spend time with them.
Another kind of relationship is a platonic friendship, which means that you are friends who don’t have any sexual or physical intimacy. These relationships can be great for your psychological and emotional wellbeing because they provide you with someone to talk to about things that are bothering you, go shopping with, or even just someone to watch a movie with.
A romantic relationship is a more intense kind of partnership, where you have both emotional and physical intimacy with each other. This can include sex but doesn’t have to, as there are many people who enjoy or prefer non-sexual forms of intimacy such as cuddling and kissing. It is also a partnership in which you work together as a team, supporting each other and each other’s goals, even if they don’t align perfectly with your own.
A major benefit of a romantic relationship is that it provides you with a sense of safety and security, knowing that no matter what happens, your partner will be there for you. This can enable you to take greater risks and pursue your goals with more confidence and self-assurance.