Relationship wellbeing comprises the health and quality of interpersonal relationships, taking into consideration emotional support, communication, trust, and mutual respect, whereby the needs of each individual are considered. Maintaining positive and strong relationships is essential for both mental and emotional health, as well as overall life satisfaction.
Being respected and valued for who you are in relationships can help with achieving overall happiness. Maintaining relationships with wider community and society is also important, as they foster a sense of belonging and identity.
On the contrary, poor relationship wellbeing can be damaging, with relationship-specific but also wider-reaching consequences. Furthermore, unresolved conflicts can lead to toxic dynamics, eroding trust and intimacy, which may eventually result in relationship breakdown. More generally, relationship issues can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues. Isolation from both close others and wider community can affect quality of life and social cohesion, particularly as humans have evolved to exist within social groups and structures.
There are many ways to improve relationship wellbeing. Effective communication is key; expressing feelings openly and listening actively can help prevent misunderstanding and conflict, in all manners of relationships. Understanding and being compassionate towards yourself and your own approach to relationships is also vital. On a wider, community level, expanding your network, for example through getting involved in local groups, clubs, or volunteering can also help build positive relationships and improve connection.
Further information and resources:
Recommended books:
- “Secure Love: Create a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime” by Julie Menanno – This book explores what a healthful relationship should feel like, one based on secure attachment, connection, and understanding.
- “Hold Me Tight: Your Guide to the Most Successful Approach to Building Loving Relationships” by Dr. Sue Johnson – Johnson is the creator of Emotionally-Focused Therapy, a pioneering programme of couple’s therapy with focuses on building emotional connection. This book documents her model and provides advice to couples wanting to improve their relationships.
- “The Book You Want Everyone You Love* To Read *(and maybe a few you don’t)” by Philippa Perry – Drawing on Perry’s many years of practice as a psychotherapist, this is a guide that takes apart where, how, and why relationship wellbeing suffers, and how to work through it.
