Relationships are a complex set of interactions between people that include emotional, physical, and social aspects. They can be romantic or not, and can encompass a wide range of relationships including friendships, families, coworkers, and even business associates. People use the word so often that it’s easy to think that there is a single definition for relationship, but in reality it can mean almost anything that involves another person.

There are many benefits to being in a healthy relationship, such as support and companionship. In addition to that, having someone to share your life with can also make you happier and improve your overall quality of life. Relationships can also provide an environment for personal growth, encouraging you to become a better version of yourself.

The need for human connection appears to be innate, with some theories suggesting that the ability to form long-lasting, healthy relationships starts in early childhood. This is believed to be due to the fact that babies need a caregiver who can meet their basic needs of food, care, warmth, protection, stimulation and interaction with others.

The key to a successful relationship is open communication. Make sure you set aside time daily to talk, preferably without distractions (such as your cell phone or TV). Learning to read and understand each other’s non-verbal cues is also important. For example, if your partner is often agitated by your loud voice or tends to avoid eye contact when you’re talking, try to communicate in a quiet place that’s free from distractions.