Relationships are a big part of your social support network and are essential to mental and physical health. They range from casual acquaintances to intimate friends and can include romantic connections. Some can be challenging, while others may be rewarding. Understanding the different types of relationships can help you talk about them more accurately and build stronger bonds.
A healthy relationship allows each person to pursue their interests as well as to flex to meet the needs of their partner. For instance, if your partner wants to run a marathon, you can be supportive by allowing them to carve out time for training and adjusting your schedule if needed. This flexibility demonstrates that you care about each other’s needs and goals, even when they don’t completely align with your own.
Intimate relationships can include emotional and sexual intimacy as well as feelings of romance and love. They also have the potential to be conflictual, but with healthy communication, this can be resolved. One important element of an intimate relationship is empathy, which means being able to understand your partner’s point of view and feel for their feelings.
Romantic and committed relationships often have the “love at first sight” aspect, but how can you tell if you’re really in it for the long haul? Registered psychotherapist Natacha Duke shares some tips to help you figure out if your partner is right for you.