Relationships make up a big portion of our social support network that is important to our physical and mental well-being. Different types of relationships can range from close and intimate to distant and challenging, but whatever their nature, they all help contribute to our overall well-being.
Whether you’re single or committed, healthy and supportive relationships provide us with many benefits, including greater happiness, restful sleep, more confidence, and even better health. When we feel supported by the people around us, it’s easy to take risks and chase our dreams. These relationships enable us to grow, and they add meaning to our lives.
When it comes to healthy relationships, the key is mutually respectful communication. Both partners should be able to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions without feeling like they’re being attacked or judged. They should also be able to agree to disagree, and they shouldn’t try to change their partner.
In addition, they should be able to support one another’s goals and aspirations without feeling like they’re imposing their own agendas on the other. Strong couples are not afraid of (respectful) conflict and work to resolve issues together, rather than making their partner wrong for how they see things.
They also show appreciation for their significant other, both verbally and with actions. They make time to celebrate their successes and show support when they’re down. And they are dependable, showing up when they say they will and fulfilling their responsibilities.