Relationships are the cornerstone of living a happy, fulfilling life. Whether you are on cloud nine or your love is on the rocks, it’s important to keep your relationship healthy by establishing boundaries and learning how to communicate effectively.
A relationship is a bond that forms between people who care for one another and rely on each other. While the term has traditionally described an intimate bond involving sex, a relationship can also be an extended friendship based on mutual respect and trust. People in committed relationships can often be found supporting one another through difficult times. In addition, a strong sense of belonging within a family or community can help people overcome stress and depression.
Many people consider themselves in a relationship with coworkers, teachers or students. These casual “acquaintances” may spend time together discussing surface-level topics, but they generally do not share a deep connection. Other relationships are more intense, resulting in closeness and intimacy. For example, a mother-daughter relationship is considered a special type of relationship because it demonstrates an intimate bond that can withstand hardships.
The word relationship can also be used to describe a social group, such as a nation or club. This kind of relationship is more stable than a dyad because it is based on a system of formal rules and regulations, rather than the emotions of interpersonal attachments. A group may also be characterized by its level of loyalty, which is defined as the degree to which members feel they have an obligation to the group.