A relationship is a close connection between people based on mutual feelings, trust, and respect. It can be romantic or platonic. People often think of relationships in terms of marriages, engagements, and dating. There are also many types of nonromantic relationships.
Relationships may also refer to the emotional support and closeness you feel with friends, family, and coworkers. Having healthy relationships is important for your mental and physical health. Relationships can help reduce stress levels, provide a restful sleep, improve your mood, and boost your immune system. The closeness you feel with your partner can provide a sense of belonging and make life more enjoyable.
Some people have casual acquaintance relationships, like those with coworkers and classmates, that don’t require much interaction or contact beyond meeting on occasion. Others may be in more serious relationships that include regular communication, intimate conversations, and even shared expenses. A good relationship is a partnership in which you share goals, values, and interests, and you work together to achieve them. You trust and rely on each other, but you also allow each other independence. You respect each other’s needs and boundaries, and you avoid physical abuse.
Relationships can be a source of excitement and joy, as you imagine building a home or starting a family with your partner. However, they can also be a source of pain and anxiety. If your partner doesn’t treat you well, or you find yourself wishing for the good times you had in the past, it’s time to reconsider your situation.