Relationships are the ties that link us to others. They can be casual, sexual or romantic, and they can involve different levels of intimacy, commitment and emotional attachment. People can have many relationships in their lives, including friendships, families and co-workers. Having healthy, positive relationships is an important part of our well-being and it can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. It is believed that the need for human connection is innate, and the ability to form stable relationships is learned from infancy through experiences with caregivers who reliably meet an infant’s basic needs for food, care, warmth, protection and stimulation.
When we are in a relationship, our primary focus is usually on nurturing and developing the connection with that person. However, sometimes life gets in the way and other priorities take the center stage. When this happens, relationships can become damaged and the connection is threatened.
It is crucial to make the health of the relationship a priority by making time for the people and activities you both enjoy. It is also important to communicate regularly and be open to listening to your partner’s point of view. Often, misunderstandings can occur when we don’t listen and attempt to understand the other person’s perspective.
In addition, it is important to be dependable and follow through on your promises and responsibilities. It is also helpful to create rituals together that heighten the sense of connectivity between you and your partner. For example, celebrating anniversaries and birthdays in a way that is unique to your relationship can bring new meaning to the day and increase the feelings of closeness.