Relationships are the backbone of a healthy, social support network that is vital for physical and mental health. There are many different kinds of relationships, ranging from intimate and close to distant and challenging. Relationships can help us navigate life’s obstacles and provide a sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging.
Everyone has an image of how a relationship should work. They share responsibilities and pursue stimulating and engaging interests together. They are supportive, compassionate and empathetic. They are the kind of people you can call on to pick you up if you’re down and to celebrate your successes. In a world where loneliness is often a prevalent plight, the right relationship can give you fuel to keep going and to take on more because you have a companion that has your back.
A relationship can also be a learning experience, helping you to build and improve your communication skills. Whether it’s discussing your needs, desires and boundaries or learning how to read non-verbal cues, the more you practice talking about difficult things with someone you trust, the better you will become at it.
The ability to form stable, loving relationships may be innate but the development of a healthy one takes time and effort. Some evidence suggests that this process begins in infancy, with a caregiver who reliably meets an infant’s basic needs for food, care, warmth, protection and stimulation. If you’re in a relationship that isn’t meeting your needs, take a moment to reflect and consider your options.