Relationships are the close, mutual connections between people that may be emotional, physical, or financial. They can be casual or serious, and they require a commitment of time and energy to be healthy.
When you’re in a relationship, it’s natural to want to make your significant other happy. Research shows that just seeing the person you love activates areas of your brain that produce happiness and can make you feel better instantly. In addition, being around someone you love can lift your mood and increase your energy levels.
In a healthy relationship, both partners take responsibility for their actions and words. You can have arguments, but you both work together to resolve the situation in a way that’s fair and respectful. You also share and respect one another’s opinions, and you learn to tolerate a little bit of your partner’s annoying habits.
You can have a relationship without sex, but you need to be on the same page about what kind of intimacy you enjoy. For example, some couples like cuddling and talking to each other as a form of intimacy. Other couples prefer more physical connection through things like kissing, hugging, and sleeping together. You also need to make sure your partner feels comfortable with you having other relationships outside of the relationship, like friends and family members.
Some people stay in unhealthy relationships for selfish reasons, such as not wanting to be alone or fearing being alone. However, being in a relationship should not prevent you from becoming the best version of yourself and having other healthy relationships in your life, such as with friends or family.