Relationships come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the needs of the two people involved. A healthy relationship involves an equal amount of giving and taking, a safe environment for exploring your needs and boundaries, and opportunities to improve communication and conflict resolution skills.
Relationships can be a positive force in your life. They can help you to learn and grow, and they can also provide an important support system when you are feeling down or need some encouragement. However, if your relationship is not what it should be, it can take a toll on you emotionally, physically, and mentally. This is why it is important to understand what makes a relationship healthy so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is worth your time and energy.
The Different Types of Relationships
In addition to being a source of comfort, relationships can be an exciting part of our lives. When we love someone deeply, it can bring out our best qualities and encourage us to be more productive and fulfilling individuals. Often times, these relationships can also be challenging and can push us to become better versions of ourselves.
Nevertheless, many people do not have the opportunity to be in a committed relationship that teaches them how to live their best lives. For those who do, the benefits of a loving relationship can be quite extraordinary and include lower stress levels, restful slumber, improved mental health, and robust physical health.
A healthy relationship also allows for each individual to maintain their own identity and separate interests outside the partnership. It is important for each person to be able to spend time with friends and family members without feeling guilty or as though they are in competition with their partner.
This also means that each person is free to maintain their own hobbies and passions, such as a hobby they enjoyed before the relationship started or reading a book they are passionate about. Having something to look forward to in your life that is not connected to your significant other can provide motivation to work on your relationship as well as your own self-care.
There are several ways a relationship can turn toxic, and some of the most common symptoms include white lies that continue to fall short of the truth, manipulation of you and your feelings, and making you question your own sanity. A good friend or close family member should be able to tell you when this is happening, but it is still a hard pill to swallow.