Relationships come in all shapes and sizes, and they often change as we go through life. Some of the most common types of relationships include family, friendships, acquaintanceships and romantic partnerships.
Family
A family relationship is when two or more people have an emotional connection to each other, based on their shared heritage and culture. Families can be biological, adopted or even virtual.
Friendships
A friendship can be a very important aspect of your mental health, as they can help you feel secure and connected. They can support you and give you an outlet to express your feelings.
Acquaintanceships
An acquaintanceship is a relationship that doesn’t involve the same type of commitment as a romantic or family partnership. This can be a good way to find out what you like about someone before getting involved with them romantically.
Romantic partners
A romantic relationship is a great way to connect with another person, but it can also be difficult to maintain. In fact, relationship researcher John Gottman found that happy couples have a ratio of five positive interactions or feelings for every one negative interaction or feeling.
Boundaries and Respect
It’s important to set clear boundaries in any relationship, whether it’s over communication or privacy needs. If your partner doesn’t respect your boundaries, it may be a sign that the relationship isn’t healthy for you.
Trust and Honesty
When you’re in a relationship, it’s vital to show that you trust and value your partner’s honesty. Being honest about what’s going on in your life will make the other person feel more comfortable and less likely to judge you.