A relationship is any kind of connection or association between people, whether it’s intimate or platonic. The term is often used to refer to romantic relationships between two people, characterized by emotional and physical intimacy and some level of commitment or exclusivity (monogamy). However, many people also use the phrase to describe non-romantic relationships, including those that are casual, open, ethical nonmonogamy, or polyamorous.
In healthy relationships, both partners maintain a meaningful emotional connection with each other that makes them feel loved and emotionally fulfilled. They also share interests and activities that help them connect with each other, and they spend quality time together doing things they enjoy. It is important for couples to balance their work and family life with time spent together, and they may need to learn how to say no to certain activities so that they can make the most of their time together.
Having a partner can be a great source of support and stability in one’s life, and research shows that having a supportive partner can help you get more out of your personal and professional endeavors. But a relationship is not the end-all, and it’s important to keep in touch with friends and other loved ones and develop hobbies outside of your partnership.
Trying to “change” your partner or giving up your identity as an individual in order to make them happy can backfire. It can destroy the very thing that attracted you to each other and made your relationship special in the first place.