Relationships can be a major source of happiness and enjoyment in our lives. They can also be a source of stress, conflict and dissatisfaction. Various types of relationships make up the social support network that is pivotal to our physical and mental health. Relationships help us grow, foster personal resilience and create a sense of belonging. They can teach us essential skills for compromise and collaboration, such as communication and empathy. They can encourage and motivate us to pursue our goals, while bolstering our self-esteem and sense of purpose.

Healthy romantic relationships offer the opportunity to share intimacy with another person and connect on a very deep level. They can also offer a safe environment to explore new things, and to grow as individuals. Healthy relationships are often balanced, with each person giving and receiving love, affection, and attention in equal amounts. They can also be supportive of each other’s individual interests, even if those don’t align with the couple’s mutual interests.

It is important to communicate openly with your partner, and not assume they can read your mind. Being curious about your partner’s thoughts, feelings, and perspective can help avoid misunderstandings. It can also be helpful to work together on problem-solving, instead of making each other the victim or blame game. Lastly, it is important to find ways to do things that you both enjoy together. This can be as simple as sharing a meal or watching movies.