A human’s need for connection with other people is innate. It appears to be a deeply ingrained part of our personality that develops during early childhood through attachment with a caregiver who meets the infant’s needs for food, warmth, protection, emotional support, and social contact.
Healthy relationships are built on trust, communication, and shared values. They are also characterized by a mutually satisfying level of intimacy. Intimacy often refers to sex, but it doesn’t have to – physical touch is just as important as emotional intimacy. It’s also about spending time together and bonding over things you love to do. It can be as simple as watching one movie together a week or having your own mini-book club. You can even go on dates to new places or pamper your partner. But it’s also important for each of you to have your own interests and passions, so make sure you give your partner some space from time to time — especially if you live together.
Relationships are about working hard to meet each other’s needs, supporting each other in achieving their goals and dreams, and being there for each other when life’s challenges arise. They are about having a partner to lean on, someone who understands you when you can’t even understand yourself, and who makes you laugh until your sides hurt. The right partner puts your humanity into overdrive and gives you fuel to try more because you know they’ve got your back no matter what.