Relationships are the social, emotional, and sometimes physical attachments that connect people in a variety of ways. Some relationships are monogamous, while others are nonmonogamous. Depending on the location, culture, or religion, some relationships also become legal partnerships through marriage.
Most of us have an idea of how a relationship should work. We think of two people who share responsibilities, spend time together, but also pursue engaging activities on their own. They respect each other’s independence, but they lean on one another for support and comfort. They are a team, and they ride the waves of life together-job changes, family deaths, moves across town, new hobbies, even the occasional bad habit.
While these are some aspects of a healthy relationship, there’s no set formula for what a relationship should look like. It is normal for every relationship to experience challenges from time to time, but if these challenges are consistent, it may be helpful to reflect on whether or not this is the type of relationship you want long-term.
Regardless of what kind of relationship you are in, it’s important to be able to trust your significant other. You should feel free to talk about anything with them, including your hobbies and interests outside of the relationship. You should also feel comfortable with your partner spending time with friends and other family members. However, you should also be aware of any controlling behaviors that limit your freedom. This can be harmful to both you and your partner, so it’s worth discussing if you think that there are any issues.