Relationships are a huge part of your social support network and can be either positive or negative. Whether they are intimate and caring or distant and challenging, healthy relationships are essential for both physical and mental health.
In a relationship, people give and receive affection, energy, and love in healthy amounts. This balance is often measured by how much time you spend together doing things that both of you enjoy. For example, maybe you and your partner both like to play video games or watch TV after work, so you make it a point to set aside some time each week for these activities. But if one of you decides to run a marathon, it’s okay to flex your schedule and be supportive even though it doesn’t always align with your mutual interests.
Some of the most valuable benefits of a relationship are the emotional support and sense of security that you get from it. In a world where feelings of loneliness are common, having someone who loves you can make all the difference in how you feel about yourself.
A healthy relationship is a source of encouragement and motivation for your own personal growth and self-improvement. Your partner believes in you and supports your ambitions, which can give you the confidence to pursue more challenging goals or take risks. In addition, the joy you share with your partner over accomplishments can provide a powerful sense of meaning and purpose.