Relationships are an important and often rewarding part of our lives. They exist on many levels, meet many needs, and can provide meaning to our life pursuits. They can also cause us frustration, distress, worry, and heartache. How we recognize and strengthen the healthy ones is not always easy. Resolving conflict or dissolving the bad ones can be even more difficult.
Relationships exist on a continuum.
Healthy relationships are respectful, inclusive, and mutually rewarding. They provide space as well as togetherness. They include shared interests and open communication. Mutual respect, a sense of equality, acceptance, appreciation of differences, and safety all combine to characterize rewarding, growth-enhancing relationships. Unhealthy relationships lack one or more of these reciprocal qualities and may be, as well, abusive, possessive, controlling, or exclusive.