Relationships are the social connections that support your emotional well-being. They can range from close and intimate to distant and challenging. They help you feel a sense of belonging to a community.

The Benefits of Healthy Relationships

In relationships that nurture your well-being, you are supported through life’s challenges and celebrations. They inspire you to grow and build resilience. They also generate lasting memories and a profound sense of connection that enriches your journey through life.

Whether a dyad, a triad or a polyamorous relationship, healthy relationships are mutually supportive and non-exploitative. They are based on trust, which means that you can rely on your partner and know they have your best interests at heart. You can also express yourself openly and respectfully and respect their boundaries and preferences.

It is important to balance the amount of affection, love, energy and support you give and receive in a relationship. It’s also helpful to consider how much you are contributing to your own well-being in the relationship.

Sometimes, you can tell when you’ve found “the one.” It may be an intuitive feeling or a deep inner knowing. You can see in their eyes that they are genuinely interested in who you are and how you make them feel. They can also read your nonverbal cues and respond accordingly, like when they put their hand on your shoulder or hold your hand. They also accept your imperfections and encourage you to be yourself.