Relationships are the ties that connect us to others, whether they be familial, platonic, romantic, or professional. A healthy relationship can bring a sense of stability, joy and purpose to our lives. It can also encourage other positive behaviors, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and refraining from smoking or excessive drinking.
People need relationships in order to survive. Some believe that humans have an evolved biological need to form relationships, because living as part of a group improves our chances of survival and procreation.
In a world where loneliness can be a common plight, a positive relationship can provide the assurance that there is someone else who cares about you and will be there for you through the good times and bad. It can give you strength to take greater risks in your life and to pursue the dreams that make you happy.
A key component of a healthy relationship is open communication that is based on mutual respect and trust. It also involves listening actively and empathetically to each other. Lastly, it is important to establish and respect personal boundaries.