Relationships are an important part of human existence and are the foundation for a healthy, happy life. They are a combination of healthy communication, intimacy, care, deep love and mutual understanding that helps us through tough times. They are a balm for emotional wars we have inside of ourselves and also guarantee our mental, physical and spiritual health.
The need for relationships appears to be innate in all mammals, however the ability to form stable and loving relationships is learned in early childhood. These earliest experiences with caregivers who meet infants’ needs for food, warmth, protection and stimulation help set the patterns of relating to others that will follow throughout our lives.
In a committed relationship, both people should feel free to be themselves around each other. They should respect one another and show each other the kindness and care they want to receive from their partner. They should be able to talk openly about their feelings, dreams and fears. They should respect that they have different interests, hobbies and perspectives from each other. And they should be able to laugh together about the things that make them laugh.
When both people in a relationship respect and honor each other, they become a team and they should be willing to ride the waves that come with it. Jobs change, family members die, money comes in and goes out. Having each other to support you through these changes makes it easier and less stressful.