Relationships, either romantic or platonic, are a key component to living a happy life. They can be in person or online, and they come with a variety of benefits. Relationships can also be a source of stress when they are not healthy.
In relationships, both physical and emotional intimacy are important. Physical intimacy is usually referred to as sex but it can include kissing, cuddling and sleeping together. Emotional intimacy is the ability to confide in one another and express emotions freely. It includes being able to support and comfort one another in times of trouble or when something makes you angry. In addition, being able to give positive feedback when needed is a major component of a strong relationship.
A relationship can be a good stress reliever, and having someone to talk to helps you decompress after a rough day at work or when you are feeling down. Being in a relationship can also encourage you to take risks and go after your goals, knowing that you will have a support system behind you no matter what happens.
It is often said that relationships take a lot of work, but it is not always as difficult or exhausting as you might think. Think about how much effort you put into your hobbies, and you will see that a healthy relationship is similar in some ways. Rather than viewing the work as difficult, think of it as an investment in your future happiness.