The Importance of Relationships
Throughout history, humans have placed a high value on relationships of all kinds. Whether familial, romantic, platonic, casual, or intimate, relationships can be an integral part of your overall emotional health and well-being. While many people focus on the importance of building strong relationships, it’s also important to recognize when you’re in an unhealthy one and work to change it.
In the most general sense, a relationship is any association or connection between two or more people. Traditionally, the term “relationship” has been used to describe a romantic relationship between a man and a woman that involves both emotional and physical intimacy and some level of commitment or monogamy. While this definition remains, there are now many different types of relationships, from marriage to casual dating and ethical nonmonogamy.
People in healthy relationships often share common traits, like being reliable and consistent, listening without judgement, respecting boundaries, and showing interest in each other. They also prioritize spending time together, and understand that this can include activities like relaxing solo, pursuing hobbies, or visiting friends and family.
Relationships that are fulfilling can make you feel significant and important, which is a critical component of feeling loved and supported. This sense of significance can help you build self-esteem and encourage you to go after your goals. Having a supportive network of relationships can also be helpful in coping with misfortunes or life’s challenges, and it helps to keep you motivated when the going gets tough.