Relationships help us live happier, more fulfilling lives. They give us someone to lean on, to share our problems with, to make us feel stronger. They also help us to feel part of a community and provide a social support network that can be pivotal to our physical and mental health.
But it can be hard to define what a relationship is, and even harder to have positive ones. There are so many different types of relationships – whether they are romantic, casual, long-term, or short-term. People can use different terms to describe their relationships, and it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
In a healthy relationship, there is open communication, and both partners respect each other. It’s important to talk about everything, including the tough stuff like sex. Honesty is also essential, and telling lies can ruin a relationship.
Having friends and family is important in a relationship, as is maintaining a balance between work, home, and relationships. Taking up hobbies together can also be a good way to spend quality time. It is also important to take care of yourself, so if you need a break from the pressures of your relationship, be sure to take it.
Some people choose not to put a label on their relationship, which is called a “situationship.” They may have some of the qualities of a casual or committed relationship, but they don’t want to go through the stress of having the DTR (defining the relationship) talk.