Relationships are a huge component of our lives. They help us to feel a sense of belonging and provide social support that can boost our mental health. However, there are many types of relationships that can occur in a person’s life and they may not always be romantic. For instance, a four-year-old can have a relationship with the other child they play with at the park even if they are not dating each other.
Healthy relationships can be characterized by having balanced amounts of giving and receiving. This can be seen in the way partners share finances, household responsibilities or even time and affection. People in healthy relationships can often recognize when something is off and work together to address issues that arise.
It is also important to consider the amount of emotional and psychological investment that you make in a relationship. This includes things such as mutual respect, acceptance and appreciation of each other’s differences and a desire to grow personally and as a couple. Some of these factors can be difficult to achieve and it is important to take your own needs into consideration when evaluating a relationship.
A healthy relationship can be defined by the “shared culture” that a pair creates in their union. This includes the daily habits that you develop in unison, rituals you celebrate and even the foods that you share. A common culture can increase the intimacy in a relationship and help a pair relate to each other emotionally. It can also serve as a foundation for long-term stability and commitment.