Having a significant other can help to reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress, depression and improve the overall quality of life. Being in a relationship also provides a sense of purpose and meaning. People in stable relationships are generally more productive, focused and successful both personally and professionally.
Love and a desire to be with someone that they find attractive often leads people into relationships. They may initially feel attracted to a person’s physical features or a specific aspect of their character such as a sense of humor or kindness. Once in a relationship, the people involved may begin to look at other things about one another that they like and start to build a “picture” of their ideal partner.
When people are in love, they tend to put their own needs aside and want the best for the other. This can be great, but it can also backfire and cause resentments. People can also stay in a relationship because they don’t know how to be alone, or they fear the prospect of being single.
In healthy relationships, both partners must learn to read each other’s non-verbal cues and respond accordingly. They must also be able to communicate clearly, without judgement or blame. They need to make time to talk, and they must remember details about each other’s lives. They must understand that everyone grows and changes over time and that their expectations for the relationship will likely change too.