Relationships are the connections between people that create a mutual influence on each other. These relationships may be familial, romantic, or platonic. They can be healthy or unhealthy and are characterized by giving and receiving love, respect, affection, and support. The amount of each of these elements is unique to every relationship, but a healthy one should be balanced.
Having someone to share life’s ups and downs with can be a great source of happiness, and the knowledge that you have a partner who will be there for you emotionally can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. In addition, having close friends and family can provide a sense of belonging, which is important to mental well-being.
A good relationship should allow each person to have their own interests and pursuits while also having a shared activity that brings them together. This can be something as simple as watching a movie or reading a book together, or it can be more creative like starting an exercise routine that you both enjoy.
Healthy relationships can contribute to a stronger immune system, because the emotional support and reduced stress that they bring improve your ability to fight infections. They can also lead to better sleep, which helps regulate your mood and cognitive function. Lastly, having a partner can connect you to something bigger than yourself, which can help increase your sense of purpose and meaning in life. This connection can be as small as sharing the same interests to as large as connecting through a cause or faith.