Relationships – What Kind of Relationship is Right For You?
Relationships are a crucial part of life. They help us build a sense of self and provide a foundation for healthy living.
Relationship types can include family, friendships, acquaintances, and romantic relationships. There are many variations within these categories, but they all have the same core elements: support, respect, and commitment.
Identifying what kind of relationship you’re in can help you understand your feelings, decide whether you need more support, and feel confident in making changes that will benefit your overall health. You also might want to consider talking with a professional about your needs and how to meet them.
The most common type of relationship is a romantic one. It’s a deep, lasting connection between two people that can endure the good and bad times of life. It can be monogamous or nonmonogamous, with both partners committing to the relationship for the foreseeable future.
In a committed relationship, you and your partner are open to communication about your emotions and feelings. You’re supportive of each other in difficult situations and you’re able to compromise with each other.
You feel fulfilled and satisfied emotionally, socially, and physically by your relationship. You and your partner enjoy spending time together, valuing each other’s alone time, and are on the same page about what you want out of a relationship.
Some evidence suggests that the ability to form a stable relationship begins in infancy, when infants are reliably met with a caregiver who meets their needs for food, care, warmth, protection, and stimulation. These earliest experiences establish deeply ingrained patterns of relating to others, and the end of these relationships can be a source of great psychological anguish.