Relationships are the cornerstone of a full life, helping us feel supported and connected to a community. They also help make us more resilient to stress, and they come in all shapes and sizes. A variety of different types of relationships are important to maintain healthy well-being, and it can be helpful to have a clear understanding of the terms used to describe them.

Relationship is an interpersonal connection between two or more people, which can range from friendships to romantic partnerships. The term is also often used to refer to the feelings of closeness and intimacy in a relationship, such as love and affection. Some research suggests that humans need human connection to thrive, and the development of a loving relationship is thought to begin in early infancy as we bond with caregivers who meet our needs for care, protection, food, water, warmth, social contact, and stimulation.

Having healthy relationships is essential to our health and happiness, but how do we know when a relationship is truly healthy? Registered psychotherapist Natacha Duke offers a few tell-tale signs that your relationship is in it for the long haul.

A healthy relationship requires mutual admiration and a shared sense of respect, which is ideally balanced by lows (drama) and highs (swoon worthy moments). Having the ability to laugh together and share lighter moments is important, especially when life throws you curve balls, as it can bring you back to a place of appreciation for the person you’re with.