Relationships are the connections that two people share with each other. In a healthy relationship, there is a balance of giving and taking, with each partner respecting the other’s individuality and allowing for growth and change. In addition to the physical and emotional intimacy that comes with love, a healthy relationship provides a sense of support and belonging, and can contribute to a feeling of meaning and fulfillment in life.

Having close relationships may even add years to your life – research shows that having a strong social network is linked to positive outcomes in terms of health, happiness and well-being. A good relationship teaches you about yourself and the person you are with, and can give you valuable insight into your own needs and feelings, and how to communicate better.

Love is the most powerful force in a relationship and it can make you want to do anything for your partner, including sacrificing your own interests and needs for them. In some cases, this can be a problem as it means that your partners’ happiness is more important than yours and that you may not be happy yourself.

In a healthy relationship, there’s not a day that goes by without you saying kind words to each other or having some affection. You should also be able to hold each other accountable and take responsibility for your mistakes. Apologizing is a great way to re-establish trust and strengthen your connection. It is also helpful to be able to listen to your partner and double check that you have understood them correctly.