Relationships can be messy, stressful and full of miscommunication. Yet, they also can be the source of your most blissful moments — sleep-filled slumber, peaceful naps, and the sense that you have someone to lean on when times are tough. In fact, relationships are essential to your mental and physical health. There are many reasons why being in a committed relationship is the best option for most people.
Humans are social creatures, and we put a lot of emphasis on our relationships with others. Throughout history, humans have made art that depicts people in close proximity to one another, sung about their relationships in poetry and songs, and even created laws to define how to conduct relationships. The benefits of a healthy relationship are clear and well documented: reduced stress levels, restful slumber, improved mental health, robust physical health, and more.
Despite the numerous advantages of being in a healthy relationship, many people don’t know how to recognize one when it arrives. The most important thing to remember is that your partner is an individual and they have their own interests, passions, hobbies, and life pursuits outside of the relationship. Attempting to change them or make them into something they are not is a recipe for disaster.
Healthy couples have a finely-tuned balance between the time they spend together and the time they invest in their own personal growth. They have mutually beneficial and inspiring conversations that allow them to challenge their assumptions and expand their perspectives. They share the joys of their own successes with each other and help each other to navigate through difficult situations.
When it comes to romantic relationships, a good rule of thumb is that your partner should make you feel happy and bring out the best in you. There shouldn’t be a day that goes by without your partner saying something kind, making you smile, or giving you a hug. In the end, it’s the little things that make a difference: when you wake up and see them smiling at you, the way their body fits next to yours, or the feeling of butterflies fluttering in your stomach.
There are various types of relationships in the world ranging from casual acquaintances to family members and friends. All of these relationships serve a purpose and provide value to the human experience, but some are more important than others. A healthy relationship is not only a place of love and trust, but it also provides a solid foundation for the rest of your life. If you are in a relationship that isn’t doing this, it is important to evaluate the situation and take steps to find ways to improve it or to seek a new path in life.