Relationships are one of the most significant aspects of our lives. They add meaning and purpose to our daily routines and make us feel like we’re not alone in this world.
But not every relationship is a good one. Some have toxic components that can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are detrimental to our mental health.
Having a healthy relationship involves trust, communication and openness. It takes time, effort and compromise from both people.
Intimacy
In a healthy relationship, partners share emotional and physical intimacy, which fosters positive feelings and is essential for reducing stress. It also helps reduce anxiety and depression by triggering the release of the neurotransmitter oxytocin, which promotes bonding and enhances communication.
Support
A positive relationship provides support through tough times, as well as through good times. Your partner can be a sounding board and provide encouragement when you’re feeling down, helping you decompress from stressful situations.
Flexibility
Whether you’re juggling work, family life or other obligations, you need to be flexible so that you can give your partner the attention and affection they need. Being flexible can be challenging at first, but it’s important to find ways to adapt and change your schedule together to accommodate each other’s needs.
Learn from your mistakes
A great thing about relationships is that you get to learn a lot about yourself and the person you’re with. You start to appreciate some of the things you do well and see how you can improve your bad habits or behavior patterns.