Relationships are a part of all of our lives. They are a key element to happiness, they give us purpose and help to add meaning to our lives. There are many different kinds of relationships; we have family relationships, romantic relationships, platonic relationships, professional relationships and so on. However, there is one common element that all of these relationships share: they are mutually beneficial for both parties involved. Relationships are all about establishing trust and a sense of connectedness.
Often people feel that when they are in a relationship it means they are committed to that person, they are “in it for the long haul.” While this may be true, it is also important to understand the different parts of a healthy relationship.
In a healthy relationship both partners feel valued and understood by the other. This is what sets a relationship apart from just friendships. In addition, they should both feel emotionally fulfilled by the relationship.
The right relationship can fuel us to push ourselves and chase our dreams. It can provide a safety net to support us through the ups and downs of life. However, it is important to remember that not all relationships are positive and can lead to negative feelings such as depression, anxiety or feelings of abandonment. These feelings can be difficult to work through on our own, and in some cases, it may be helpful to reach out to a couples therapist for guidance.
A good way to identify the type of relationship you have with someone is to ask yourself some questions:
Is this relationship serving its purpose? Does this person make me happy? Do I have a connection with this person that makes me want to be my best self for them?
Relationships in general can be a lot of work. However, the work shouldn’t be a chore or something that is draining. Think of it like a hobby that you enjoy or a school project that you got really psyched for. Both of these things require a lot of effort, but it is work that you feel is worthwhile because you love the process and it will bring you satisfaction in the end.
It is also important to maintain a healthy separation of personal and couple interests. A good way to do this is to create a couple culture, like watching a movie together once a week or having a book club. This can help keep conversations interesting and give both partners a chance to do their own thing during the week.
It is also important to maintain casual relationships with the people in your life, like local shopkeepers, neighbors, and local dog walkers. These connections can be a great source of positivity throughout the day, and they may even be a catalyst for positive change in your life. Lastly, be sure to communicate effectively with the people in your life and take care of yourself. If you find yourself in a relationship that isn’t making you happy or if you feel unsafe, it’s important to speak up and take steps to terminate the relationship.