Whether it’s your partner, best friends, cohabitating with someone, or the people you surround yourself with in daily life, relationships are fundamental to our lives. It is a natural human need to form close, lasting connections and a key component to living well, with research suggesting that the benefits of having healthy relationships extend beyond simple companionship.

While everyone may be unique, most of us desire a supportive, caring and committed relationship to help deal with the stresses of everyday life. When those around you are there to help you through the tough times and celebrate the good, it provides a sense of comfort and stability that no amount of money or material possessions can replace. A strong support network also allows you to heal from past hurts, share new experiences and have fun together.

Relationships can be complex and are a central part of your life, but they can also be the most rewarding and fulfilling aspect of it. It is important to invest time and energy into them, like you would any other area of your life. Having a stable and fulfilling relationship can add years to your life, reduce stress levels, allow you to rest better at night, increase mental health, provide a source of emotional support and give your quality of life a significant boost.

The most common type of relationship is the dyad, between two people. This is the most intimate of relationships, characterized by high levels of commitment and intimacy, but low levels of passion. This is where most romantic relationships start, and can sometimes end, quickly as the thrill of attraction begins to fade and the need for a physical connection becomes less urgent.

In a dyad, both partners must be able to read each other’s non-verbal signals and respond accordingly. They must have similar needs and goals, and be able to communicate those clearly. For instance, if one person has a strong need for family bonding and the other is more interested in career success, they may have difficulty balancing those priorities.

When conflicts arise, they must be able to talk about them without resorting to personal attacks and focus on the issue at hand. They must also be empathetic of each other, allowing their empathy and respect for the other to guide them toward a solution that satisfies both parties.

There are many ways to show your love for another person, and most people have their own “love languages.” These are the different ways that they express their affection for each other. For example, some may prefer physical touch and kisses while others enjoy thoughtful gifts or being made a priority in their partner’s schedule. If they are not speaking the same language, they will often feel misunderstood and disconnected.

Some relationships become stuck in peaceful coexistence, with a lack of true connection and mutual understanding. These can feel secure on the surface, but over time a lack of ongoing involvement and meaningful emotional connection will slowly erode the foundations of the relationship.