A relationship is an interaction between two people that may have a variety of different outcomes. In a healthy relationship, both partners share responsibilities and balance time spent together with time for themselves. They also encourage each other to maintain good health habits such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and not smoking.
Having a strong support system can have positive benefits for your mental health and can help you to cope with stressors in your life. Research shows that people who have a supportive partner tend to live longer than those without one. This is likely because having a close relationship helps to lower depressive symptoms and improves coping strategies.
The need for human connection appears to be innate, as evidenced by infants who develop a bond with their primary caregiver. This bond is the beginning of what is called a ‘secure attachment’, which is thought to establish deeply ingrained patterns of relating to others.
Relationships come in a variety of forms, from intimate to distant, and from friendly to hostile. Regardless of the type, however, relationships are an important part of a person’s life and can have a significant impact on their health.
Having someone to talk to, share a laugh with and be there for you in times of need can make all the difference in the world. Being in a committed relationship can also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, people in healthy relationships set a good example for their friends and family members.