Relationships are a vital part of human existence. From the earliest childhood experiences of needing a caregiver who reliably meets your needs for food, care, warmth, protection, stimulation and social contact to adulthood, humans rely on relationships to help them feel secure and happy.
Developing and maintaining a healthy relationship is a lifelong process. It involves continuous communication about the things that are important to each person, respect for boundaries, and an effort to nurture the relationship in a way that reaches mutual benefits.
In addition to fostering feelings of love, commitment and happiness, a healthy relationship can also have positive effects on health. Research shows that having close relationships can make people healthier, regardless of their age or gender.
Healthy relationships are a cornerstone of mental and physical wellbeing, including emotional, behavioral, psychological, and physiological health. They can contribute to better sleep, lower stress levels, and a sense of well-being and purpose in life.
One of the most common benefits of a healthy relationship is that it can teach you how to live a healthy lifestyle. For example, when a spouse or partner encourages you to exercise, eat healthy foods, and not smoke, you are more likely to follow their advice.
Another major benefit of a healthy relationship is that it can offer opportunities to develop your communication and conflict resolution skills. If you aren’t good at communicating with others, having someone you trust who will not judge you makes it much easier to share your problems.