Relationships are a huge part of life. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they help to form a vital social support network that can be crucial to physical health and mental well-being. However, maintaining thriving relationships can be challenging.

In healthy relationships, people feel safe to talk openly about their needs, feelings, and boundaries. They also learn how to communicate effectively and resolve conflict, and they can practice their skills in a safe environment. As they practice, they can become better at these skills in their other relationships, too.

A healthy relationship can make you feel happy and confident, and it can motivate you to pursue your dreams and take risks. It can also give you a sense of belonging and security, which can help to alleviate feelings of loneliness. In addition, it can improve your mental and physical well-being by decreasing the production of cortisol, a stress hormone.

In unhealthy relationships, there may be a lack of mutuality and respect. One person may dominate the conversation or act selfishly, and there is often an absence of emotional closeness and shared goals. In some cases, one person tries to control the other by controlling their access to money or limiting time spent with friends. They may also manipulate the other by creating feelings of guilt or pity. One of the most common problems is emotional abuse, in which one partner uses manipulative tactics to control and humiliate their partner.