Relationships are a major part of our social support network, which is important to our health. Relationships can range from casual to romantic to close. Whether they are positive or negative, they all help us feel connected and supported.
In healthy relationships, people have an opportunity to improve their communication and conflict resolution skills. They also have a chance to learn from their mistakes and make changes for the better. Having someone else in your life who can lovingly point out areas of your behavior that could use improvement makes it easier to address problems and grow.
It is thought that the need for human connection and stable, loving relationships starts in infancy. The earliest experiences an infant has with a caregiver who consistently and reliably meets the infant’s needs of food, care, warmth, protection, and stimulation establish deeply ingrained patterns for relating to others.
In a healthy relationship, the chemistry and emotional attachment that distinguishes it from friendship or acquaintanceship is affection. Affection is shown through words, gestures, and physical contact such as hugs or kisses. It is a feeling that is distinct from physical attraction but can create the same kind of butterflies in the stomach as it does.
Creating and maintaining a healthy relationship involves work, both individually and as a couple. In addition to the day-to-day tasks of living together, this work includes negotiating conflicts and navigating the ups and downs of life’s inevitable challenges.