Relationships are the connections that make up your social support network, which is vital to a healthy mental state. Different types of relationships play a different role in your life, and the benefits are numerous. They can include better sleep, decreased stress, increased happiness and a sense of purpose.
Relationships come in all shapes and sizes, and the best ones involve healthy communication, trust, respect and compromise. They also take work, but are well worth the effort. They can even add years to your life, research has shown.
What makes a relationship real is the emotional connection and affection. Your partner should be someone you adore, who brings out the best in you and can’t wait to see you when you aren’t together. They should light up your soul and cause those butterflies to flutter in your stomach from time to time.
A good partner is someone who genuinely cares about you and supports your goals and dreams, which is why it’s important to have healthy boundaries in place, so they don’t erode over time. They also value your individuality and don’t expect you to change who you are for them, and they encourage you to see friends without them and explore new activities. They’re also dependable and are able to talk about difficult situations openly. They can be a sounding board when you are feeling down, and help you reframe your feelings to a more positive perspective. They can also be your cheerleader when things are going great.