Relationships are an essential part of the social support network that’s pivotal to our mental health. They’re also an important source of joy and meaning in our lives.
When we have positive relationships, it can help us feel less lonely and more confident in our abilities. These relationships can encourage us to take risks and pursue our dreams. They can even make us more resilient and healthy.
However, not all relationships are created equal. Some relationships can be unhealthy, especially if they’re filled with infidelity or miscommunication. In a healthy relationship, both people talk to each other regularly and understand each other’s nonverbal cues. They also avoid misunderstandings by checking that they have understood each other correctly. They also make a point of hanging out together and asking about each other’s day.
In addition, being in a relationship can improve your communication skills and allow you to learn more about yourself and how to treat others. The emotional intimacy that comes with being in a relationship can boost happiness and self-esteem, and it’s been proven to lower stress levels. People in relationships also tend to be more active and healthy, partly because they have a support system.
And, of course, being in a relationship can reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases if you’re both tested regularly and make healthy choices. Having a partner to share life’s journey with is important to many people, particularly in today’s often isolating world.