Everyone needs a solid support network of friends and family to help them navigate the world. This social support system is one of the cornerstones of mental health, but many people overlook another critical piece of it: healthy relationships. Whether you’re single and looking for a partner, or in a relationship that could use some work, there are numerous benefits to healthy relationships that will benefit your life.
Positive relationships can give you the strength and confidence to chase after your dreams, no matter what they are. They can cheer you on when things are going well and help you stay on track when things aren’t. They can also be a good mirror, showing you areas of your personality that may need work or improvement. They can teach you how to better communicate and resolve conflict.
Healthy relationships have room for both people’s interests. It’s important that your significant other shares the same hobbies and interests as you, but it’s also okay to have separate interests. For example, if they love to run marathons and you prefer to watch TV shows, it’s fine to spend some time each week doing something different. It’s a good idea to discuss these differences in an open and respectful way. This will prevent any misunderstandings and will allow each person to feel like they have their own space.
You can build a strong bond with someone by spending quality time together. This can be done through simple activities, such as cooking dinner together or taking a long walk on the beach. It can also be done by fostering a couple culture project, such as watching one movie a week or having your own book club. This can help you connect with your partner through shared passions and keep conversations interesting and engaging.
The relationships that we have with other people make up a big part of our social fabric. While these relationships can be complicated and challenging, they are also vital to our mental and physical wellbeing. Relationships can be broken down into six main categories:
Casual relationships are the ones we have with people we see on a regular basis, such as the shopkeeper down the street or the neighbour three doors down. These relationships can offer connection and positivity through moments of kindness, such as a smile or a quick hello.
Close relationships are the romantic bonds that people have with each other. They can be intimate, such as a kiss or a hug, or they can be platonic, such as when we hold hands or sit next to each other at a movie theatre. They can also be supportive, such as when we offer each other a shoulder to lean on.
Healthy relationships take some work, but the amount of effort you put in should be proportionate to the value that the relationship has for you. This work doesn’t have to be hard, but it should be consistent and focused.