Relationships are a big part of life. Whether they’re intimate and loving or controlling and harmful, they play a pivotal role in your physical and mental health. Different types of relationships help make up the social support network that keeps you strong. They also provide companionship, intimacy and an emotional outlet.
A healthy relationship requires respect, equality, safety, trust, and mutual understanding. Some “dark side” issues that can get in the way of a healthy relationship include exploitation, incompatibility, and emotional or physical abuse.
Some people choose to have non-romantic relationships, such as friends or family members. Others prefer romantic partners and enter into marriage, a legal union that provides state-level protections and benefits, or a civil partnership, a legally recognized relationship that doesn’t provide the same benefits of a traditional marriage.
Whether you’re married, in a civil union, single or in an open relationship, the health of your relationships is influenced by many factors, including your own level of happiness and self-esteem. If you’re not happy, it can be hard to be the kind of partner that other people want to have around. It’s also important to have a healthy work/life balance so that you can devote time to your friends and loved ones and still be there for yourself when needed. Lastly, it’s vital to find ways to keep up with your hobbies and interests so that you have something to offer to your friends. This will also give you a sense of independence and help prevent you from becoming too dependent on your significant other.