Relationships are a vital part of our lives, and they can be as complex or simple as we make them. Regardless of their nature, relationships are important for both our mental and physical health.
Having relationships with people who are supportive and understanding can help us feel secure in our own skin, as well as give us an emotional outlet for our emotions. This support can be anything from a friend to a partner to family members and even coworkers.
A good relationship can also help you set healthy goals for yourself, which is a great way to get and stay motivated. For example, if you want to lose weight, a loving partner can encourage you to try new foods or exercise regularly.
Being happy and affectionate with a partner can boost your levels of certain hormones, which can make you feel happier. Those same hormones can also help you feel more calm and relaxed.
This is especially helpful when it comes to overcoming difficult situations, such as having a bad day or feeling sad about something in your life. Being able to share your feelings with your partner can help you process the situation and move on to find happiness again.
Positive relationships can also make you feel more confident and self-assured, which can be an amazing boost when it comes to pursuing your goals and ambitions. For instance, if you’re a big dreamer but have trouble getting started, a partner who is willing to cheer you on can be an excellent resource for inspiration and motivation.
Strong relationships can also help you establish clear boundaries and communicate your needs. For example, if you’re uncomfortable with your partner asking about your personal business on social media, they should respect that and not push you to change your privacy settings.
Your relationship should feel like a team, meaning you work together to achieve common goals and interests. This means you’re always there for each other, even when you don’t see eye to eye on something or have different goals.
The best relationships are built on trust and familiarity, so it’s crucial that you and your partner develop a strong bond over time. For this to happen, you have to both be willing to open up and be honest with each other.
A good relationship should also include regular, affectionate touch–kisses, hugs, and cuddling. Affectionate contact stimulates the brain and boosts oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and attachment.
It can also make you more likely to share intimate thoughts and feelings with your partner, which helps you grow closer to each other. Studies have shown that being physically close to a loved one can boost feelings of empathy, which can be particularly helpful for those who are experiencing depression or other emotional issues.
If you are in a toxic relationship, it can cause a lot of negative emotions to build up. It can also affect your overall wellbeing, so it’s important to recognize the signs and be aware of how you might be contributing to the toxicity in your relationship. You can start by establishing clear boundaries, talking to a therapist or even considering ending the relationship if it’s becoming too harmful.