The Importance of Relationships
Relationships are associations between people that may be based on limerence, love, solidarity, mutual trust, regular interactions, or a combination of factors. They can be formal, such as marriage or a business partnership, or informal, such as a casual acquaintanceship. People who have positive relationships tend to be happier and more resilient to life’s ups and downs.
Having a supportive relationship can help you take risks and pursue dreams because it gives you a sense of security and confidence that you’ll be supported if things don’t work out the way you want them to. A good support system also makes you more resilient to stress and illness, and research shows that it can even increase your lifespan.
Healthy relationships are best described as interdependent, where you rely on each other for support but maintain your individuality and identity. Some examples of interdependent relationships include co-workers, classmates, or close friends who you can turn to for advice or emotional support. Forming a family is another example of an interdependent relationship.
Achieving a healthy relationship can be challenging. Some couples get stuck in a “peaceful coexistence” where they live together but don’t relate to each other emotionally. Building intimacy requires a commitment to spending quality time together and making it a priority even with busy schedules. It also means showing your partner you trust them by avoiding dishonesty and respecting their boundaries. Finally, it’s important to forgive one another for mistakes and learn from them together.