Relationships are an important aspect of human life. They provide stability, safety and emotional well-being. People who have healthy relationships are more able to handle stressful situations and are less likely to develop physical or mental health problems.
Some people stay in unhealthy relationships because they’ve heard that “relationships take work.” However, at Love is Respect we think the word work needs a little bit of a makeover: it shouldn’t be viewed as something hard or exhausting, but rather as something fun, inspiring and engaging. Think about your favorite hobby or a school project that you really enjoy. Those things might require some time and effort, but they’re usually not difficult or draining.
A romantic relationship should be filled with affection and feelings of love. It should make you feel good when you’re around your partner, and it should bring out the best in you. In addition to affection, a healthy relationship requires communication and support. It’s important to be able to talk openly and honestly with your partner, and it’s also helpful to have an outside therapist available in case you need help communicating your concerns or getting through a rough patch.
In addition to a partner, a strong relationship should include friends and family who can be sources of support. If you find yourself spending too much time with your partner and not enough time with your friends, it’s a good idea to try and balance the two. And if you’re having trouble with your friendships due to an abusive relationship, it may be time to consider working with a therapist.