Relationships 101

Relationships are defined as the association of two or more people; this association may be based on limerence, love, solidarity, regular business interactions or some other type of social commitment. There are many types of relationships and some of them may overlap, whereas others can be quite distinct.

Identifying Relationships

There are several identifiers that indicate relationships, such as boyfriend, girlfriend, partner and husband. These identifiers usually signal a committed relationship, where two or more people agree to continue being in the relationship for the foreseeable future.

Committed relationships can have many variations: cohabitation, triad or marriage are some of the more common ones. Each relationship has its own unique challenges and needs, so it’s important to discuss these differences openly and honestly.

Healthy relationships are characterized by trust, mutual respect, openness, honesty and affection. They also have good communication and are often focused on giving and receiving support, rather than on power plays.

You and your partner feel satisfied:

A happy relationship is one where you both feel satisfied emotionally, socially and physically. This can include knowing that your partner will listen to you when you are feeling down, and that they will be there for you to talk through things when they are bothering you.

You and your partner are on the same page:

A healthy relationship involves two people who have a deep understanding of each other’s values, life style, and goals for the future. This can be difficult, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining a lasting and loving connection with another person.