A relationship is a connection that has the potential for emotional or physical closeness. It may include feelings of romance or love, as well as sexual intimacy. Relationships are usually interdependent, meaning they affect each other. They can also be a source of satisfaction and fulfillment. However, a variety of factors can contribute to the health or decline of a relationship. Infidelity is one common threat, while others can include a loss of interest in physical intimacy or the discovery that someone has changed or isn’t the same person as they were when the relationship began.
A healthy relationship involves a balance of give and take, with both people feeling valued and respected. It should also be a supportive environment for personal growth. This includes respecting boundaries and allowing each person to pursue their own interests. For example, if your partner wants to run a marathon, you should support them even if it doesn’t align with your own goals and priorities.
Some people stay in unhealthy relationships because they’ve heard that “relationships take work.” But that’s not necessarily true. The kind of work that a healthy relationship requires is more like the hard work that goes into a hobby or school project that you’re passionate about. It can be challenging and sometimes frustrating, but it’s work that feels satisfying in the end. This is the kind of work that makes a relationship healthy and worthwhile.