Relationships are the bonds that bind two or more people together, and they come in all shapes and sizes. These can be romantic relationships, friendships, or even family ties. Some relationships end in divorce, while others survive a few rough patches and grow to become the most meaningful parts of your life.

Regardless of the type, there are some basic characteristics that you can expect to see in every relationship. By focusing on these, you can make sure that yours is a happy and healthy one!

1. Certainty

The most important aspect of any relationship is certainty. You need to know that you will always have someone who loves you and who will be there for you through good times and bad. You also need to feel that you can trust them and that they won’t hurt you in any way.

2. Comfort and security

The second most important part of a healthy relationship is comfort and security. You can’t go through life without feeling secure, and you don’t get that feeling from someone who doesn’t love you or care about you.

When you have a sense of stability in your relationship, it makes everything else seem easier. You can have fun and laugh, you can be honest and open with each other and you can share a deep sense of love and respect.

3. Communication

Having strong communication is a key component of a healthy relationship. This is a skill that you will want to practice regularly, as it can prevent many misunderstandings and conflicts from occurring in your relationship. It can also help you communicate your needs and feelings to your partner more effectively, as well as help them understand what it is that you are thinking.

4. Emotional support

Whether you have an emotional crisis or simply need someone to talk to, having a supportive partner is a great benefit of being in a relationship. A supportive partner can help you cope with your emotions and can encourage you to do the things that will help you to heal.

5. Affection

When you are in a healthy relationship, you will find that your partner will often show you affection in a variety of ways. This can include hugs, kisses, and tender touch. It can also be shown in the way they speak to you.

6. Respect and equality

When a relationship is healthy, both partners should have equal rights to participate in the relationship. This includes being able to have their say about what happens in the relationship, and how it is being run. This can be done by communicating frequently and listening carefully to the other person’s points of view.

7. A team

The best relationships are those that involve both parties working together. This can be done by sharing hobbies and interests, helping each other out with household chores or making a meal together.

8. A commitment to each other

If you have a long-term relationship, it is important that you commit to each other for the rest of your lives. This is a big step and it requires both parties to be willing to put in the time and energy to make it work.