Relationships are associations between people that are based on limerence, love, solidarity, or other social commitments. These relationships can be long-term, short-term, intimate, or casual. Understanding the different terms that are used to describe a relationship can help you determine if the relationship you are in is healthy, safe, and satisfying.
Healthy relationships involve trust and respect and take effort and compromise from both partners. They include open communication, and there is no imbalance of power in the partnership. Both partners are free to spend time with other friends and family without feeling resentment or jealousy. If either partner feels that they are being taken advantage of, the other should speak up.
Intimacy
Creating intimacy in a relationship takes work, but it can be done by spending quality time together and being honest with each other, even when the conversation is difficult. Intimate relationships also require each partner to accept their flaws and show the other that they are willing to work on them.
Affection
In a healthy relationship, there’s not a day that goes by where both partners don’t say a kind word to each other, hug, or kiss. If they are sexually active in the relationship, they enjoy exploring each other’s bodies and do it enthusiastically (although there will be times when neither of them are “in the mood”). Affection is what differentiates a romantic bond from a friendship. A romantic partner should make you feel butterflies in your stomach and light a fire inside of you.
Balance
A balanced relationship is one where both parties are giving and receiving equal amounts of energy, affection, support, and love. This isn’t always possible, but it should be the goal. Oftentimes, one person will give more than the other, and this can lead to imbalances in the relationship. Having regular conversations about what each person needs from the relationship can help to keep it balanced.
Commitment
Generally, when you commit to someone in a relationship, it means that you are going to be with them no matter what. You are not going to leave them because you’re upset or you have other plans, and you aren’t going to cheat on them. A good way to test the strength of your commitment is to ask yourself if you would be there for them in a time of crisis.
Love
Love is more than a feeling; it’s a decision to love someone no matter what and to support them through all of their ups and downs. It’s a choice to believe in them and to lift them up when they are down, and to fight for their goals and dreams as much as you do your own. Love is not something that comes easy, but when it’s real, it can be a source of tremendous joy and strength in your life. It can make you stronger when you are at your weakest and give you the motivation to overcome whatever obstacles stand in your way.