Relationships are a cornerstone of happiness and a vital part of a healthy life. They foster connection and love, encourage personal growth and emotional resilience, and support goals for success. They also provide a safety net, protecting us from stress and helping with recovery from life’s inevitable challenges.

In the past, there were clear distinctions between different types of relationships. A man and woman could be premarital or married; friends may be platonic or romantic; cohabitating couples were referred to as “going steady” or “marriage-minded”. Now, the word relationship is used so loosely that no two people have a similar definition. Regardless of their form, all forms of interpersonal relationships contribute to our overall sense of well-being.

A healthy relationship provides mutual empathy, an ability to communicate openly, and a sense of attachment that keeps us from feeling alone or unsupported. Whether we are in a dyad, trio, or quadrangle, these connections make up a large part of our social support network. Having a good one can significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness and make us more resilient to the negative impacts of stress and depression.

Having a partner who makes your heart flutter, and gives you that familiar feeling of butterflies in your stomach is what makes a romantic relationship special. Even if it goes dormant over time, this feeling is still necessary to keep your connection healthy and growing. The best way to do this is to be as transparent as possible. If your partner finds something embarrassing on your phone or if you have a weird sexual fantasy, share it!