Relationships
Being in a relationship can boost different aspects of our lives: it increases levels of empathy and patience, you have someone to share your life with and rely on, it gives you an additional sense of responsibility and accountability, you have a built in support system, you have more social opportunities, you get to enjoy the benefits of shared sex and romance, you have a partner to lean on during difficult times.
But, sometimes people have relationships that aren’t very healthy. These may be a combination of things:
The initial chemistry that sparks in new relationships often leads to the desire for intimacy. However, in some cases that desire for closeness turns into the need for control. This can lead to codependent relationships, where the couple feels they need each other’s help in order to be happy. Unfortunately, this kind of codependent relationship usually ends up destroying the individual identities that attracted the partners to each other in the first place.
Regardless of how the chemistry starts, healthy relationships are about mutual respect and a deep level of affection. Those in strong relationships feel comfortable with each other’s quirks and are not afraid to express their love for one another. There’s not a day that goes by where they don’t say something nice to each other or care for and about each other. And, while they may argue from time to time, they are able to communicate their differences in a respectful way that does not resort to personal attacks or feelings of victimhood.