Relationships are the connections that make up a large part of your social network. Whether they are intimate and loving or controlling and negative, different types of relationships contribute to your overall mental and physical well-being. Understanding these different types of relationships can help you determine if yours is healthy.

Friendship

A friendship is a close and mutually supportive relationship between two people that may have romantic or sexual aspects to it, depending on the individuals involved. A good friend is someone who listens to you, cares about you and is there for you when you need them. They also respect your individuality and allow you to keep seeing your own friends, even if you have one person that is your primary relationship.

Lovers

When you love someone, you put their needs above yours and go out of your way to meet them. This is a great thing, but it can also be unhealthy. If you are in a situation where your partner is more or less controlling than you want them to be, or they constantly put their own wants and needs before yours, it might be time to consider finding a healthier relationship.

Partners

A partnership is a more formal relationship that involves commitment and trust from both parties. It can be a romantic or platonic relationship, and it can involve any level of exclusivity that the partners choose. A couple can enter into a partnership in many ways, from engagement to marriage to casual dating to ethical nonmonogamy. In a healthy partnership, both people share responsibilities and enjoy spending time together. They both support each other in their goals and work to create a positive, mutually satisfying life together.

Family

The family is the basic unit of society, and it’s a great place to learn how to get along with others and form meaningful relationships. A healthy family is supportive and nurturing, and both parents and children learn how to communicate effectively in a respectful way. It is important to remember that each family is different, and that it is okay to have disagreements from time to time.

Intimate relationships

Intimate relationships are a type of connection that involves emotional and physical intimacy, such as kissing, hugging, cuddling or sleeping together. They can also include sexual intimacy, which is optional for all individuals and not always necessary in a relationship. Intimate relationships can also be platonic and include activities such as playing sports or going to movies with friends.

A healthy relationship requires both parties to be open and honest with each other. They should be able to discuss their concerns and work on solutions. They should value each other’s individuality and understand that each person’s perspective is valid. They should also be able to communicate with each other without feeling judged. It is also important for both parties to be able to ask for help when needed. They should also be able to admit when they have done something wrong.