Relationships is a broad term that encompasses all types of interpersonal interactions, including family, friends, and business partners. A relationship can be either romantic or platonic. People often use the word as a shorthand way of describing their commitment to another person, but it can also refer to any kind of interdependent interaction.
A healthy relationship should include respect and equality, and both partners should have their needs, desires, ideas and point of view taken seriously. No secrets should be off-limits, and if something makes you uncomfortable, it’s important to be open about it.
Studies show that relationships can have powerful impacts on a person’s health and happiness. A healthy bond with someone special can trigger stress-relieving hormones, reduce blood pressure, and increase feelings of well-being and social support.
Whether you’re single or in a committed relationship, the benefits of healthy connections are enormous. They provide a sense of belonging, and are linked to better days, more restful sleep, robust mental health, lower stress levels and even longer life.
A need for human connection seems to be innate, and the ability to form stable relationships may start early in life. Some research suggests that the formation of a loving relationship is learned through a child’s earliest experiences with caregivers who reliably meet their basic needs for food, care, protection, stimulation and attention. As we grow, we build a network of relationships that can support us in times of crisis and challenge our beliefs and values.