Relationships are all around us, from the people we love to the things we eat and the way we move. Whether they are based on trust and mutual respect or passion and physical attraction, the connections we form with others impact our mental and physical health. Psychologists say that strengthening these bonds should be a public health priority.
What does relationship mean? Relationships can be defined as emotional attachments, but they also can refer to a formal commitment like marriage. The word relationship can also describe interactions that don’t involve people at all, such as an economic or legal connection: “This business has a relationship with a bank.”
A healthy, lasting relationship starts in early childhood and can include anything from a summer fling to a long-term partner. Despite the variety, these relationships all have one thing in common: they provide stability, meaning and comfort. The need for human connection seems innate, and research suggests that the ability to form stable relationships begins in infancy with caregivers who reliably meet an infant’s basic needs. These initial experiences help establish deeply ingrained patterns of relating to others.
Healthy Relationships
Having close, satisfying relationships with family members, friends and co-workers is essential for a happy life. In fact, researchers have found that those with stronger social support have better physical and mental health than those who don’t. This may be because having a network of support provides the emotional and practical resources we need to manage stress, illness and other difficulties.
The quality of our relationships can influence our happiness, but they can also have an effect on how well we manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. For example, a positive relationship with a spouse or parent can encourage healthy habits in children and make it easier for them to stick with their treatment plan. On the other hand, a negative relationship can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
To build and maintain a healthy relationship, it is important to have open communication with your partner or friend. Active listening helps you understand their perspective and ensures they feel heard. Being judgment-free is also essential. This can extend to discussing sex and intimacy in romantic relationships, and to prioritizing regular activities that strengthen the bond.
It’s also important to recognize when a relationship is no longer healthy for you. If you find yourself feeling unhappy or depressed, even if it’s not the fault of your partner, it could be time to seek professional help. Talking to a therapist together or on your own can offer valuable insights into the situation and strategies for moving forward. If the problem is too great to overcome, however, it may be necessary to end the relationship. Regardless of the reason, it’s always best to do so carefully and with compassion for both yourself and your partner. This can prevent future problems and reduce the likelihood that you will regret ending the relationship in the future.