Relationships are the connections that people have with each other. They can be casual or serious and may or may not involve intimacy, commitment, and exclusivity. They are a big part of your life and they help make up your social support network which is important to your physical and mental well-being. Relationships can be a source of joy, comfort and safety but also can bring anxiety, stress and conflict. They can be long-term or short-term and can provide support, stability, emotional intimacy and a sense of belonging.

When in a relationship, you are usually invested in the happiness of your partner and put their needs above your own. This isn’t always easy, but it is what makes a relationship fulfilling. It is often through a healthy relationship that you learn to communicate your feelings and develop skills that can help you become a better version of yourself.

A healthy relationship can be a great stress reliever, especially during college. Having someone to listen to your problems, give you a hug and tell you that everything will be okay is a nice way to keep going through the ups and downs of college. It is also a great way to practice being a good friend and taking care of others, as a healthy relationship should be mutually beneficial.

A committed relationship is a formalized partnership that involves a commitment to one another, whether it be sexual exclusivity, marriage or a more informal agreement that can include exclusive dating, cohabitation or even a non-sexual relationship. This is usually a long-term relationship and requires exclusivity, trust and communication to thrive.