Relationships are a large part of many people’s lives, and they can be a source of support or challenge. Having healthy relationships in your life can lead to better health outcomes, as you are more likely to follow a healthy lifestyle (such as eating well, exercising regularly and not smoking) when your friends and family do the same.
Having close relationships can also provide emotional comfort and support, which is important for your mental health. The sense of belonging you can feel in a relationship with someone you care about provides you with the opportunity to share your hopes and fears and receive empathy from them. In addition to emotional support, you can receive physical intimacy from your partner in the form of cuddling, kissing and talking together. Intimacy is often associated with sex in romantic relationships, but it is possible to have healthy relationships that do not include this element.
A healthy relationship includes a mutually respectful way to handle conflict. This can be achieved through open communication, listening and understanding your partner’s point of view and accepting the fact that they may not always agree with you. Having healthy conflict resolution skills can help you avoid blaming each other and build a stronger foundation for your relationship. Intimate partners are not afraid to speak up when something bothers them, and they know how to communicate their needs without being hurtful or demeaning. Whether they are talking quietly in the corner of the room or raising their voices passionately, they are able to discuss what’s bothering them without feeling humiliated or disrespected.