• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

A Plus Topper

Improve your Grades

Essay on Relationship | Relationship Essay for Students and Children in English

February 7, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay on Relationship: Human is a social animal. To survive and stay happy, he needs to get connected with the people around him. To love and to be loved is the best feeling in the world. The feeling of this love and the connection between two people is what we call a relationship. Right from the family relationship, friendship, acquaintances, and romantic relationship, all are important at one or the other point of life. Having a relationship is thus one of the most important things in life.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Relationship for Students and Kids in English

In this article, we have provided a long essay and a short essay, along with ten lines on the topic, to help students write this essay in examinations. Given below is a long essay composed of about 500 words and a short composition comprising 100-150 words on the relationship in English.

Long Essay on Relationship 500 words in English

Relationship essay is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Having a relationship is very important in everyone’s life. To stay happy, share your feelings, feel loved, have a connection, and know yourself in a better manner you need to have a relationship. As you grow old, the relationship transforms. Thus, we can define relationships as a bond between two people based on mutual likes, understanding, need, or love. Since birth, humans enter into a relationship. Broadly, there are four types of relationships:

Family Relationship: This is the most basic kind of relationship. It comes into existence based on the blood, kinship, marriage, or even adoption. It usually includes family members and relatives like parents, grandparents, children, siblings, cousins, uncle, aunts, and other such family members.

Friendship: As a child grows, he starts meeting people and attending school. It is the time when friendship comes to existence. Based on mutual likes and dislikes, the child befriends. This relationship occurs at every stage. As we grow old, we do make new friends. But friendship is a reciprocal relationship based on trust, care, and faith from both ends.  Friendship is that special God-given gift to humans with whom one can share multiple resonating feelings.

Romantic Relationship: Human has been always hungry for love. It is usually a relationship based on a strong feeling of connectivity based on personality or some physical attributes as well. This relationship usually is seen between husband-wife. It is one of the closest and strongest forms of relationship.

Acquaintances: As we move across daily, we encounter a lot of people that pass by. They are neither friends nor relatives. They can be neighbors, a travel companion, someone you meet at the park, or any other such person. But if such a relationship is treated with respect and care, it can grow to friendship in the future.

Love and trust are such emotions that are most profound in humans. People interact daily which acts as the base for the formation of relationships. For having a good and healthy relationship, the person needs to focus on the basic four attributes. They are communication, trust, respect, and love. For any relationship to flourish and sustain, one needs to have the four pillars incorporated in the deep roots of the relationship.

Every relationship starts when two people communicate. Having a healthy communication is important to share problems and find a solution for them. In the absence of communication, the relationship fails due to mistrust and doubts. Secondly, trust is the foundation of any relationship. Every relationship starting right from family or friends, if the trust is void, then the relationship is bound to end or fall.

Mutual trust and loyalty can be gained when you share your true feelings. The third pillar is respect. In personal as well as professional world respect is very important. If a person respects others, then he gains respect from others. Treating others will respect and care not only gains respect for themselves but also creates a base for a long-term relationship. The last is love. If there is love, there is care. Every person searches for love in their life. Having a relationship full of love makes a person happy and relationship strengthens.

Relationships are not built in a day. They need constant focus and attention. When people have successful and healthy relationships, they bound to stay happy and satisfied. Apart, the quality of life also enhances. Relationships may take time but investing in them can lead you to ‘Happily Ever After’.

Short Essay on Relationship 150 words in English

Relationship essay is usually provided to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

A relationship is when two people bond or connects based on the feeling of mutual trust, likes, dislikes, or love. It can be a relationship between family, friends, neighbors, passerby, or any other acquaintances. Having a good relationship is very important to sustain happily. Relationships give a person a chance to get connected with the people around and understand the true self.

Broadly, the relationships are of four types. The family relationship is the relationship based on blood or kinship. The friendship is based on mutual like and dislike. The romantic relationship is based on love and attraction. Lastly, there is an acquaintance which is a relationship with people you encounter but they are neither your friends nor family.

The healthy and successful relationship is based on four pillars. They are communication, trust, respect, and love. These are important to sustain and flourish in all kinds of relationships. These pillars help you share your thoughts and feelings. By doing so, you are in a position to strengthen your relationship. Relationships take time to create and when they grow strong they are forever and you can claim you are in a position of’ happily ever after’.

10 Lines on Relationship Essay in English

  • A relationship is when two or more people bond together based on mutual trust, love, care, and connection.
  • It is of four types, namely, family relationship, friendship, romantic relationship, and acquaintances.
  • Family relationship is based on blood or kinship. Friendship is based on mutual likes and dislikes. A romantic relationship is based on strong attraction and love. Acquaintances are ones you know or meet daily but are neither your friends nor family.
  • The pillars of any successful relationship are communication, trust, respect, and love.
  • To sustain any relationship, the four pillars need to be focused on.
  • Communication in a relationship is important to share your feelings and build trust as well.
  • Respect in any kind of relationship is a must. As said, if you give respect you get respect.
  • Relationships need focus and attention to survive and grow strong.
  • Good and healthy relationships take time to form. But once formed, they are to stay forever.
  • To have a happy, healthy, and long lives, people need to have happy and healthy relationships.

FAQ’s on Relationship Essay

Question 1. What is the relationship?

Answer: The feeling of connection and love based on mutual trust and care between two or more people is defined as a relationship.

Question 2. Briefly explain types of relationships.

Answer: There are four types of relationships, namely, family relationship, friendship, romantic relationships, and acquaintances. Family relationship is based on blood or kinship. Friendship is based on mutual likes and dislikes. A romantic relationship is based on strong attraction and love. Acquaintances are ones you know or meet daily but are neither your friends nor family

Question 3. What are the pillars of a healthy relationship?

Answer: There are four pillars of a healthy and successful relationship. They are communication, trust, respect, and love.

Question 4. Why people need healthy relationships?

Answer: Human is a part of society. To have a happy, healthy, and long lives, people need to have happy and healthy relationships.

  • Picture Dictionary
  • English Speech
  • English Slogans
  • English Letter Writing
  • English Essay Writing
  • English Textbook Answers
  • Types of Certificates
  • ICSE Solutions
  • Selina ICSE Solutions
  • ML Aggarwal Solutions
  • HSSLive Plus One
  • HSSLive Plus Two
  • Kerala SSLC
  • Distance Education

Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

10 Pillars of a Strong Relationship

Your performance evaluation at work comes in, and it’s glowing. However, there’s one area that “needs improvement.” Days later, which part do you think about?

The negative, of course. Part of you knows it’s ridiculous to let that one thing bother you. After all, there’s a lot more good in there than bad, but you can’t seem to help it.

Unfortunately, we do the same thing in our romantic relationships. We all have a negativity bias , or tendency to focus on the bad aspects of experiences. This makes us more critical of our relationship than we should be. Along the way, we take the good times for granted and they become an under-appreciated part of our partnership. But the problems? They stand out. Our partner’s insensitive comments, moods, and messiness regularly capture our full attention.

essay on good relationship

Mix this into a relationship that has lost a bit of its spark, and it can be hard to notice anything other than the problems. As Daniel Kahneman describes in Thinking, Fast and Slow , we tend to only see what’s right in front of us and overlook what’s not there at the moment. When problems are all that you see, it feels like that’s all your relationship is.

In fact, we have such a strong tendency to pick up on the bad stuff that we may even manufacture problems that don’t exist. A study published in Science suggests that if our relationship doesn’t have any major issues, we’re more likely to take what once would have been considered a small issue and feel it’s more problematic.

When we spend our time worrying about the wrong things, we don’t have time to appreciate what’s going right. Not only does this mean our view of the relationship is skewed, but it also means we’re missing out on a meaningful opportunity. While working on problems is one way to improve a long-term relationship, it’s just as important to reflect on your partner’s good qualities and the positive aspects of your connection.

The pillars of healthy relationships

To shift your perspective, start by paying more attention to the facets of your relationship that are stable, consistent, and comfortable. Those peaceful, drama-free, status-quo elements are easy to forget, but they’re sources of strength.

Below are 10 key pillars of healthy relationships that research suggests are key to a satisfying, lasting bond. Many of these are likely present in your own relationship; you just need to pause and take notice.

1. You can be yourself. You and your partner accept each other for who you are; you don’t try to change each other. You can simply be yourself and show your true identity without worrying if your partner will judge you. That’s helpful because research shows that partners who accept each other tend to be more satisfied with their relationships. 

2. You are BFFs. In many ways, your romantic partner is your best friend, and you’re theirs. That’s good news because research suggests that romantic partners who emphasize friendship tend to be more committed and experience more sexual gratification. Romantic relationships that value friendship emphasize emotional support, intimacy, affection, and maintaining a strong bond. They also focus on meeting needs related to caregiving, security, and companionship. 

3. You feel comfortable and close. Getting close to someone isn’t always easy. But in your relationship, you’ve worked through that and are quite comfortable sharing feelings, relying on each other, and being emotionally intimate. Even if vulnerability can be challenging at times, you’ve learned to trust your partner and find it brings you closer. You no longer put up emotional walls and don’t constantly worry about your partner leaving, which provides a sense of stability . 

4. You’re more alike than different. You and your partner have a lot in common, and key areas of similarity may help make your relationship more satisfying , new research suggests. Sure, the differences stand out, but beyond those few contrasts, you’re similar in a lot of ways. For example, your partner may enjoy superhero movies while you enjoy rom-coms. Though that feels like a major contrast, you’re both homebodies who enjoy making a meal together then crashing on the couch to watch TV shows where you can debate others’ life choices, make fun of awkward dialogue, and try to guess the next plot twist. Ultimately, you have a lot more in common than you have differences.

Greater Good in Spanish

Read this article in Spanish on La Red Hispana, the public-facing media outlet and distribution house of HCN , focused on educating, inspiring, and informing 40 million U.S. Hispanics.

5. You feel like a team. Words matter. When you talk, do you often use words like “we,” “us,” and “our?” If someone asks, “What’s your favorite show to binge-watch?,” do you reply with, “We have started watching Schitt’s Creek ”? That use of “we” shows a strong sense of cognitive closeness, or shared identity, in your relationship. Research suggests that couples who are interconnected like this tend to be more satisfied and committed . 

6. They make you a better person. Your partner helps you refine and improve who you are. Here, your partner doesn’t take charge and tell you how to change, but rather supports your choices for self-growth . Together, you seek out new and interesting experiences that contribute to a feeling of self-development. According to relationship researchers, when you expand and grow as a person, your relationship does, too .

7. You share the power. While partners may have their areas of expertise (for example, one handles lawn care, while the other does interior decorating), partners often share decision making, power, and influence in the relationship. When both partners have a say, relationships are stronger, more satisfied, and more likely to last . And, unsurprisingly, couples are happier when they feel the division of labor in their relationship is fair. 

8. They’re fundamentally good. What do people want in a spouse? It’s surprisingly simple: someone who is reliable, warm, kind, fair, trustworthy, and intelligent . Though these traits aren’t flashy and may not immediately come to mind when creating your partner wish list, they provide the foundation for a resilient relationship. Research suggests that when partners have agreeable and emotionally stable personalities, they tend to be more satisfied in their relationship. 

9. You trust each other. We need to be able to rely on our partner, which comes from a sense of trust. Not only do we trust our partner with the password to our phone, or with access to our bank account, we know that our partner always has our best interests in mind and will be there for us when we need them. Research suggests this is a positive cycle : Trust encourages greater commitment, which encourages greater trust.

10. You don’t have serious issues. There are problems, and then there are PROBLEMS. Sometimes it’s easy to forget about all of the problems and major red flags we don’t have to deal with. “Dark side” issues like disrespect, cheating, jealousy, and emotional or physical abuse are relationship killers. Sometimes, the light can come from the absence of dark.

Spend a few moments reflecting on how each of these apply to your own relationship. At this point, you may want to give yourself some kind of score to affirm your relationship is in good shape. How many of those 10 pillars do you have? How many do you lack? But that’s not really the point. Chances are, your relationship has elements of all 10. The key is to do a better job of noticing and, where needed, cultivating these foundational areas. Often, strengthening these pillars is as simple as savoring everything in your relationship that works. There’s a lot there when you know what to look for. 

Hopefully, you’ve also noticed areas of strength that aren’t on this list. That’s great, because this list is by no means comprehensive. More importantly, it shows you’re starting to notice more of what works, and not obsessing about what’s broken. 

Of course, you shouldn’t use a few positives to justify staying in a bad relationship. Focusing on strengths is only helpful for those in good relationships looking to make them better. Good relationships are built on mutual respect, love, and friendship between equals.

The lesson here also isn’t to pretend like your relationship doesn’t have issues. Rather, it’s a lot easier to fix those problems when you appreciate how much of your relationship is already going well. Relationships are difficult enough without making them any harder. When you’re only shedding light on what’s wrong, it’s easy to buy into the mistaken belief that your relationship is in trouble. But when you stop taking the good for granted, and give your partner and relationship more credit, you may realize that your relationship is stronger than you think.

About the Author

Headshot of Gary W. Lewandowski Jr.

Gary W. Lewandowski Jr.

Gary W. Lewandowski Jr., Ph.D. , is the author of Stronger Than You Think: The 10 Blind Spots That Undermine Your Relationship…and How to See Past Them . He is also an award-winning teacher, researcher, relationship expert, and professor at Monmouth University.

You May Also Enjoy

Five ways to renew an old love.

essay on good relationship

What We Can Learn from the Best Marriages

essay on good relationship

Three Ways to Improve Your Sex Life in Lockdown

essay on good relationship

Gratitude is for Lovers

essay on good relationship

How Love Grows in Your Body

essay on good relationship

Three Risky Ways to Fall Deeply in Love

GGSC Logo

Become a Writer Today

Essays About Love and Relationships: Top 5 Examples

Love, romance, and relationships are just as complicated and messy as they are fascinating. Read our guide on essays about love and relationships.

We, as humans, are social beings. Humanity is inclined towards living with others of our kind and forming relationships with them. Love, whether in a romantic context or otherwise, is essential to a strong relationship with someone. It can be used to describe familial, friendly, or romantic relationships; however, it most commonly refers to romantic partners. 

Love and relationships are difficult to understand, but with effort, devotion, and good intentions, they can blossom into something beautiful that will stay with you for life. This is why it is important to be able to discern wisely when choosing a potential partner.

IMAGE PRODUCT  
Grammarly
ProWritingAid

5 Essay Examples

1. love and marriage by kannamma shanmugasundaram, 2. what my short-term relationships taught me about love and life by aaron zhu, 3. true love waits by christine barrett, 4. choosing the right relationship by robert solley, 5. masters of love by emily esfahani smith, 1. what is a healthy romantic relationship, 2. a favorite love story, 3. relationship experiences, 4. lessons relationships can teach you, 5. love and relationships in the 21st century, 6. is marriage necessary for true love.

“In successful love marriages, couples have to learn to look past these imperfections and remember the reasons why they married each other in the first place. They must be able to accept the fact that neither one of them is perfect. Successful love marriages need to set aside these superior, seemingly impossible expectations and be willing to compromise, settling for some good and some bad.”

Shanmugasundaram’s essay looks at marriage in Eastern Cultures, such as her Indian traditions, in which women have less freedom and are often forced into arranged marriages. Shanmugasundaram discusses her differing views with her parents over marriage; they prefer to stick to tradition while she, influenced by Western values, wants to choose for herself. Ultimately, she has compromised with her parents: they will have a say in who she marries, but it will be up to her to make the final decision. She will only marry who she loves. 

“There is no forever, I’ve been promised forever by so many exes that it’s as meaningless to me as a homeless person promising me a pot of gold. From here on out, I’m no longer looking for promises of forever, what I want is the promise that you’ll try your best and you’ll be worth it. Don’t promise me forever, promise me that there will be no regrets.”

In Zhu’s essay, he reflects on his lessons regarding love and relationships. His experiences with past partners have taught him many things, including self-worth and the inability to change others. Most interestingly, however, he believes that “forever” does not exist and that going into a relationship, they should commit to as long as possible, not “forever.” Furthermore, they should commit to making the relationship worthwhile without regret. 

“For life is a constant change, love is the greatest surprise, friendship is your best defense, maturity comes with responsibility and death is just around the corner, so, expect little, assume nothing, learn from your mistakes, never fail to have faith that true love waits, take care of your friends, treasure your family, moderate your pride and throw up all hatred for God opens millions of flowers without forcing the buds, reminding us not to force our way but to wait for true love to happen perfectly in His time.”

Barrett writes about how teenagers often feel the need to be in a relationship or feel “love” as soon as possible. But unfortunately, our brains are not fully matured in our teenage years, so we are more likely to make mistakes. Barrett discourages teenagers from dating so early; she believes that they should let life take its course and enjoy life at the moment. Her message is that they shouldn’t be in a rush to grow up, for true love will come to those who are patient. You might also be interested in these essays about commitment and essays about girlfriends .

“A paucity of common interests gets blamed when relationships go south, but they are rarely the central problem. Nonetheless, it is good to have some — mostly in terms of having enough in common that there are things that you enjoy spending time doing together. The more important domains to consider are personality and values, and when it comes to personality, the key question is how does your potential partner handle stress.”

Solley, from a more psychological perspective, gives tips on how one can choose the ideal person to be in a relationship with. Love is a lifetime commitment, so much thought should be put into it. One should look at culture, values regarding spending money, and common interests. Solley believes that you should not always look for someone with the same interests, for what makes a relationship interesting is the partners’ differences and how they look past them. 

“There are two ways to think about kindness. You can think about it as a fixed trait: Either you have it or you don’t. Or you could think of kindness as a muscle. In some people, that muscle is naturally stronger than in others, but it can grow stronger in everyone with exercise. Masters tend to think about kindness as a muscle. They know that they have to exercise it to keep it in shape. They know, in other words, that a good relationship requires sustained hard work.”

Smith discusses research conducted over many years that explains the different aspects of a relationship, including intimacy, emotional strength, and kindness. She discusses kindness in-depth, saying that a relationship can test your kindness, but you must be willing to work to be kind if you love your partner. You might also be interested in these essays about divorce .

6 Writing Prompts On Essays About Love and Relationships

Essays About Love and Relationships: What is a healthy romantic relationship?

Everyone has a different idea of what makes a great relationship. For example, some prioritize assertiveness in their partner, while others prefer a calmer demeanor. You can write about different qualities and habits that a healthy, respectful relationship needs, such as quality time and patience. If you have personal experience, reflect on this as well; however, if you don’t, write about what you would hope from your future partner. 

Love and relationships have been an essential element in almost every literary work, movie, and television show; an example of each would be Romeo and Juliet , The Fault in Our Stars , and Grey’s Anatomy . Even seemingly unrelated movies, such as the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings franchises, have a romantic component. Describe a love story of your choice; explain its plot, characters, and, most importantly, how the theme of love and relationships is present. 

If you have been in a romantic relationship before, or if you are in one currently, reflect on your experience. Why did you pursue this relationship? Explore your relationship’s positive and negative sides and, if applicable, how it ended. If not, write about how you will try and prevent the relationship from ending.

All our experiences in life form us, relationships included. In your essay, reflect on ways romantic relationships can teach you new things and make you better; consider values such as self-worth, patience, and positivity. Then, as with the other prompts, use your personal experiences for a more interesting essay. Hou might find our guide on how to write a vow helpful.

How love, romance, and relationships are perceived has changed dramatically in recent years; from the nuclear family, we have seen greater acceptance of same-sex relationships, blended families, and relationships with more than two partners—research on how the notion of romantic relationships has changed and discuss this in your essay. 

Essays About Love and Relationships: Is marriage necessary for true love?

More and more people in relationships are deciding not to get married. For a strong argumentative essay, discuss whether you agree with the idea that true love does not require marriage, so it is fine not to get married in the first place. Research the arguments of both sides, then make your claim. 

Check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays . If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Advertisement

The 14 most important characteristics of healthy relationships.

Vishnu Subramaniam

A healthy relationshi p is one that adds to both people's overall well-being, fueled by communication, respect, and boundaries . For a relationship to be healthy, it requires more than just shared interests and strong feelings for each other. It requires two people who truly understand and care for each other, while also caring for themselves.

Here are the most important characteristics of a healthy relationship:

You respect each other

Respect is one of the most important characteristics of a healthy relationship. Once the chase is over, some people can forget about tending to their partner's feelings and needs. In lasting, healthy relationships, partners value each other and take care with their words, actions, and behaviors. If you want to be with that person each day, make them feel that way. Likewise, you should receive this care from your partner day in and day out.

You're vulnerable with each other

Good communication is a necessary quality of a healthy relationship. If you're not willing to share what's going on with you or what you need from your partner, you're not going to get what you need. Yet people—out of shame or a habit built over a lifetime of bottling up our feelings—don't want to let anyone else in on what's going on with us. If you can trust your partner enough to share your feelings, you're more likely to find yourself in a safe relationship that lasts.

RELATED: How Lack Of Communication Can Sneakily Ruin Relationships

You have total trust in each other

Healthy relationships require trust. You have to be willing to trust your partner not only with your feelings but with your weaknesses. You will have to learn trust at the emotional, physical, and spiritual level. Trust takes practice and is earned one step at a time. Even when trust is broken , you can find a way to repair a breach in trust if you're willing to work on it.

You both maintain unwavering honesty

In a healthy relationship, you have to be willing to share what's going on, no matter how ugly. You can't hide behind lies and deception if you want your relationship to last. If you can't believe your partner when they tell you something, or if your partner is hiding things from you, it's going to be hard for you to feel safe. Honesty helps foster trust and a belief in each other, which is crucial to making it over the long haul. (Here's what open and honest communication in a relationship looks like.)

There's mutual empathy

Another key quality of a healthy relationship is empathy . Empathy means trying to understand what your partner is feeling. It isn't about trying to fix your partner's concerns and problems, necessarily, but about being able to be there for them. If you can pay more attention to what's going on with your partner and strive to see things through their eyes, you will find yourself getting closer over time rather than more distant.

You both prioritize kindness

Do all the things for your partner that you would do for your best friend. Try to anticipate their needs. Think about what they need help with and try to be there for them. Cut out the behavior that gets on their nerves, and find ways to uplift your partner. Thoughtfulness, consideration, and kindness is the recipe for healthy relationships.

You respect each other's boundaries

It's important not to forget that you're two separate people with separate needs, including some needs that you may not share. You will not agree on everything, and sometimes you may not want the same things. It's important to respect these differences and not push each other's boundaries , including emotional boundaries, physical boundaries, and any other types of boundaries . Boundaries are a necessary characteristic of a healthy relationship.

You're both totally committed

You have to be committed to your partner, yes. But more than commitment to your partner, you have to be committed to the relationship. If you think about the health and future of the relationship instead of just your own, you're likely to take more constructive actions and behave differently. It's not just about getting your needs met. It's about replenishing the fire so your relationship can last. That's what a healthy relationship is all about.

You're both thoughtful

Thoughtfulness is a characteristic of a healthy relationship that often gets overlooked because it can be hard to articulate. Essentially, thoughtfulness means keeping your partner in mind and striving to do things that will make their lives better. It's knowing their preferences, opinions, and quirks so you're able to dance with them, not fight them with. The better you know your partner, the more you can practice thoughtfulness. What can you do today to help them or improve their lives? What can you do today to make your partner's day?

You can forgive each other

Any partner will have qualities, characteristics, and behaviors that push your buttons. To make your relationship last, you have to accept your partner unconditionally—quirks, behavior, flaws, and all.

Likewise, you will sometimes feel hurt throughout a relationship because we're all humans who make mistakes. The key is to forgive quickly, let go of grudges, and start over each day. Yes, this is easier said than done, but forgiveness is crucial to the long-term health of the relationship. You have to let go of trespasses and also be willing to ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness takes courage, vulnerability, and practice.

Of course, forgiveness doesn't mean being a pushover or accepting mistreatment from your partner. There are many signs of an abusive relationship that aren't physical to be aware of. In a healthy relationship, you first you make the commitment to accept them completely. Then, you speak up and say what it is that's bothering you. If hurtful actions continue, it may be a sign you should break up .

RELATED: Unconditional Love: How To Give It & Know If It's Healthy

You're gentle with each other

Gentleness comes through in thoughts, words, actions, and your general state of being. It's understanding and accepting your partner completely and treating them delicately. It's not yelling, not name-calling, and not being verbally or emotionally harsh with each other.

Gentleness is treating your partner in a respectful, kind, and compassionate way. It's recognizing your soulful connection and appreciating their inherent humanness.

There's a lot of affection

After some time in relationships, we often forget to show love and affection toward our partners. But affection is a key quality of a healthy relationship. It's the stuff that make relationships great.

Affection can be as simple as touching, holding, or kissing your partner for no reason at all. It's a warm embrace, a light touch, a loving word, or any other small way you can show your partner that you love them.

To be most affectionate, you have to know how your partner receives love best and do more of that. Is it a loving word, a thoughtful gesture, help around the house, or doing something special for them? The better you know what your partner enjoys, the more affectionate you can be.

The love languages quiz can help you figure out how you and your partner can most effectively show your love to each other.

You consistently appreciate each other

Gratitude is another key quality of a healthy relationship. We all take our partners for granted sometimes. If you can regularly remind yourself how lucky you are and how valuable your partner is, and tell them so, you will boost the happiness and longevity of your relationship. Partners who stay together appreciate each other and compliment each other. Recognize what your partner is doing, and let them know that you're thankful for it.

You both feel validated by the other

Most of the time, people don't really understand us. Everyone has different opinions, and needing to always be right can negatively affect your relationship. Validating your partner shows them that you're on their side. When you understand and accept what they say, they feel fully seen, heard, and accepted. It's acknowledging what your partner is saying to you and showing them that you get them—you understand what they're saying and experiencing. When you validate, you accept. And when you accept, you show unconditional love , which is ultimately what keeps people and relationships together in the long run.

Now that you know the characteristics, here are some tips on how to have a healthy relationship .

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 limbs of yoga - what is asana.

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How plants can optimize athletic performance.

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

How ayurveda helps us navigate modern life.

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

More on this topic.

Is It Possible To Masturbate Too Much? (Asking For A Friend...)

Is It Possible To Masturbate Too Much? (Asking For A Friend...)

Kelly Gonsalves

Is It Normal To Be Unhappy In A Relationship Sometimes? What A Therapist Thinks

Is It Normal To Be Unhappy In A Relationship Sometimes? What A Therapist Thinks

Do You & Your Partner Have A Spiritual Connection? How To Tell, From A Therapist

Do You & Your Partner Have A Spiritual Connection? How To Tell, From A Therapist

Rachel Glik, Ed.D., LPC

The Huge Red Flag To Watch For When Dating Someone New, From A Therapist

The Huge Red Flag To Watch For When Dating Someone New, From A Therapist

Sarah Regan

This Is Why You Suck At Setting Boundaries, From A Therapist

This Is Why You Suck At Setting Boundaries, From A Therapist

3 Simple Rules For Aging Backwards, From A Functional MD

3 Simple Rules For Aging Backwards, From A Functional MD

Jason Wachob

Is It Possible To Masturbate Too Much? (Asking For A Friend...)

Popular Stories

Randi Gunther Ph.D.

  • Relationships

9 Qualities of the Most Successful Relationships

Unselfish, egoless, fair, current, and authentic..

Posted September 15, 2021 | Reviewed by Chloe Williams

  • Why Relationships Matter
  • Take our Relationship Satisfaction Test
  • Find a therapist to strengthen relationships
  • Characteristics of quality relationships include negotiating where resources are allocated in a fair way and regularly reassessing needs.
  • Unselfish love, authentic communication, trust and a recognition of triggers from the past are also components of successful relationships.
  • Acknowledging behaviors that are already a part of one's relationship can help a couple embrace others that they may want to attain.

Goksi/Shutterstock

In working with couples for more than four decades, I have been able to observe how committed partnerships are influenced by society’s changing definitions of what a quality relationship is. But despite those changing mores and values, I have also witnessed that some characteristics of successful relationships have remained constant independent of those influences.

I’ve compiled these beliefs and traits over many years, careful to sift and resift as quality relationships are subject to different expectations. The following nine illustrate what I have observed.

As you read through them, you will naturally ask yourselves which of them has been part of your own intimate relationships. Do not feel defeated if your relationship doesn’t include all of them. Focus, instead, on those that do apply. Acknowledging beliefs and behaviors that are already successful will give you more confidence to embrace those you may then want to attain.

1. The Fair Negotiation of Resources

Every relationship has only so many resources at different times and in different situations. Whether time, money, love, availability, or mental and emotional resilience , those resources must be allocated with fairness, generosity and understanding. Successful couples negotiated priorities together, deciding what each may need at any one time.

In times of abundance, those allocations are easier to manage. There is more of whatever each partner needs and can more easily meet requests, desires, or an emergency. When resources are depleted, successful couples know to adjust to those diminished coffers and negotiate to reach the best agreement they can.

2. Staying Current

Life’s demands change. Resources wax and wane. Different life stages require adaptations and adjustments. Losses are inevitable. Early dreams may fall by the wayside and new ones emerge. In so many ways, quality relationships are like businesses that grow and shift with what works to keep them functioning as optimally as possible.

Relationships are no different. What responses, offerings, and valuable contributions that may have been more than enough at one time must be able to continually transform as new requirements demand different reactions, resources, or priorities. People in quality relationships regularly re-assess how they need to alter who they are, what they can give or need, and how the relationship is doing in general. With ever new evaluations, they shore up what is faltering and let go of what is no longer working.

3. Unselfish Love

Love is comprised of the honest desire to seek the gratification of personal needs interspersed with making certain that your partner must thrive as well. Every intimate partner struggles between the need for safety and security and the desire for freedom to grow. The former maintains the comfort of predictability and the latter gives the relationship challenge and excitement.

Those of you who have supported your partner at your own expense know how scary it is to risk your own security to give your partner the opportunity to follow what he or she sees as offering more possibilities and altered dreams. Despite your insecurity, you know that it is the right thing to do no matter what the cost.

It is always better to know that your partner would rather be with you than somewhere else. But, if you know that he or she would thrive better away from you, holding them trapped to maintain your security will ultimately fail in the long run. The deepest form of love is to want what is best for each other even when that sacrifice brings potential fear of loss. The old adage, “Let something go free. If it is meant to come back, it will,” is profoundly true in successful relationships.

essay on good relationship

4. Congruent, Authentic, and Open Communication

Every bid for connection has both an altruistic and self-serving motive. Both are profoundly human responses and should be shared without shame . Though some strategy and diplomacy are part of every successful relationship, quality communication gives both partners a heads-up as to what is wanted and what the consequences might be if those needs are not granted.

Congruent communication occurs when a person’s body language , facial expressions, voice intonations, rhythm, and touch present the same picture. When people are comfortable with their good qualities, working on their limitations, and honest about that process, they are authentic and upfront, giving the other partner a full understanding of what to expect.

In all communication, there is the content of words and the way the partners are with each other as they are connecting. Words are useless if the process has gone sour. Good communicators are alert to these in-the-moment shifts, and immediately repair the interaction before returning to the content.

5. The True Meaning of Trust

At its most basic level, people who trust each other know that the other partner will not behave away from them any differently than they do when in each other’s presence. It’s as if there is a metaphysical tattoo in their presentation that signals “I am joyfully taken.” There is pride in the way either talks about the relationship to others. When they talk about the relationship with others, their sentences begin with “we” rather than “I.”

People change over time and that trust must be constantly renegotiated and shared. What can be seen can be changed. There is simply no room for negative surprises.

6. Triggers from Past Relationships

No one comes into a relationship without emotional baggage. Past losses, traumas , broken dreams, or disappointments from childhood until the current relationship are bound to rear their influence on a current relationship.

The way people resolve those past issues is a critical harbinger of how they can be triggered in their present relationship. The more both partners know about past entanglements and their consequences, the better they are prepared to differentiate between what is happening just between them and what may be surfacing as an old, unresolved situation from the past.

Both partners are quick to recognize the most obvious tell-tale signs: They start talking at each other from farther away, rather than to each other. There is little or no eye contact. They seem on a one-way street, focused on some other time and place where they may have felt irrelevant or helpless.

Asking yourself how old you feel when you are responding this way can help identify the earlier experience and how it may be contaminating the current interaction.

7. Consistent Expressions of What Is Working

Too often, many committed couples take for granted that the other knows he or she is loved. Most of their conversations tend to be about logistics, keeping each other informed about life events, sharing responses to what affects them, talking about future plans, or sharing what they are unhappy about.

If the couple is still together and prospering, it is evident that something lies underneath their more superficial interactions. But the other might not know or share those positive feelings. I have been with so many people who have unexpectedly lost a partner and suffer the most when they have not told the other how much they meant to them and why. Frequent expressions of authentic appreciation, tenderness, caring, special affections must be said aloud to make sure the other partner knows those feelings are still intact.

8. Egoless Leadership

Role definitions and their executions are not fixed in quality relationships. The partners are not defined by rigidly expected behaviors and effortlessly give leadership to the person who can do it best at the time. They are a team first, and winning means there is no automatic captain.

They are also non-competitive and respectful when one partner can shoulder a challenge better than the other because the other compensates where he or she can. They can fill in for each other when needed and have no ego around who may be better in any one area. Both are secure in being respected for who they are and what they bring to the table and know they are better off together than either could be alone.

9. Inquiry Before Judgment

Successful partners do not assume, guess, or come to conclusions about the other’s thoughts and behaviors without checking with each other as to the accuracy of their assumptions. They have learned that rapid reactions said in defense will not result in any meaningful resolution so they commit to asking for more clarity before they respond.

Many relationships break up because incorrect assumptions of another’s motives trigger mistrust , even when it is not warranted. Even people who have been together for many years mistake the other’s reasons or build-ups and react as if they know enough to respond accurately.

When either partner cannot take the time to make room for the entirety of the other before they react, the other partner over time will pull away, withhold, and sometimes disconnect. Everyone changes over time, and continuous reevaluation of the other partner can put a halt to those potential and often unnecessary damages.

These nine beliefs and subsequent actions are the underlying strengths in relationships that not only survive but thrive over time. They all share the same core. The partners treasure each other’s experience of life and each other.

Facebook image: Goksi/Shutterstock

Randi Gunther Ph.D.

Randi Gunther, Ph.D. , is a clinical psychologist and marriage counselor in Southern California.

  • Find a Therapist
  • Find a Treatment Center
  • Find a Psychiatrist
  • Find a Support Group
  • Find Online Therapy
  • United States
  • Brooklyn, NY
  • Chicago, IL
  • Houston, TX
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • New York, NY
  • Portland, OR
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Seattle, WA
  • Washington, DC
  • Asperger's
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Chronic Pain
  • Eating Disorders
  • Passive Aggression
  • Personality
  • Goal Setting
  • Positive Psychology
  • Stopping Smoking
  • Low Sexual Desire
  • Child Development
  • Self Tests NEW
  • Therapy Center
  • Diagnosis Dictionary
  • Types of Therapy

September 2024 magazine cover

It’s increasingly common for someone to be diagnosed with a condition such as ADHD or autism as an adult. A diagnosis often brings relief, but it can also come with as many questions as answers.

  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Gaslighting
  • Affective Forecasting
  • Neuroscience
  • Love & Relationships

The Science Behind Happy Relationships

W hen it comes to relationships , most of us are winging it. We’re exhilarated by the early stages of love , but as we move onto the general grind of everyday life, personal baggage starts to creep in and we can find ourselves floundering in the face of hurt feelings, emotional withdrawal, escalating conflict, insufficient coping techniques and just plain boredom. There’s no denying it: making and keeping happy and healthy relationships is hard.

But a growing field of research into relationships is increasingly providing science-based guidance into the habits of the healthiest, happiest couples — and how to make any struggling relationship better. As we’ve learned, the science of love and relationships boils down to fundamental lessons that are simultaneously simple, obvious and difficult to master: empathy, positivity and a strong emotional connection drive the happiest and healthiest relationships.

Maintaining a strong emotional connection

“The most important thing we’ve learned, the thing that totally stands out in all of the developmental psychology, social psychology and our lab’s work in the last 35 years is that the secret to loving relationships and to keeping them strong and vibrant over the years, to falling in love again and again, is emotional responsiveness,” says Sue Johnson, a clinical psychologist in Ottawa and the author of several books, including Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love .

That responsiveness, in a nutshell, is all about sending a cue and having the other person respond to it. “The $99 million question in love is, ‘Are you there for me?’” says Johnson. “It’s not just, ‘Are you my friend and will you help me with the chores?’ It’s about emotional synchronicity and being tuned in.”

“Every couple has differences,” continues Johnson. “What makes couples unhappy is when they have an emotional disconnection and they can’t get a feeling of secure base or safe haven with this person.” She notes that criticism and rejection — often met with defensiveness and withdrawal — are exceedingly distressing, and something that our brain interprets as a danger cue.

To foster emotional responsiveness between partners, Johnson pioneered Emotionally Focused Therapy , in which couples learn to bond through having conversations that express needs and avoid criticism. “Couples have to learn how to talk about feelings in ways that brings the other person closer,” says Johnson.

Keeping things positive

According to Carrie Cole, director of research for the Gottman Institute , an organization dedicated to the research of marriage, emotional disengagement can easily happen in any relationship when couples are not doing things that create positivity. “When that happens, people feel like they’re just moving further and further apart until they don’t even know each other anymore,” says Cole. That focus on positivity is why the Gottman Institute has embraced the motto “small things often.” The Gottman Lab has been studying relationship satisfaction since the 1970s, and that research drives the Institute’s psychologists to encourage couples to engage in small, routine points of contact that demonstrate appreciation.

One easy place to start is to find ways to compliment your partner every day, says Cole — whether it’s expressing your appreciation for something they’ve done or telling them, specifically, what you love about them. This exercise can accomplish two beneficial things: First, it validates your partner and helps them feel good about themselves. And second, it helps to remind you why you chose that person in the first place.

Listen to the brain, not just your heart

When it comes to the brain and love, biological anthropologist and Kinsey Institute senior fellow Helen Fisher has found — after putting people into a brain scanner — that there are three essential neuro-chemical components found in people who report high relationship satisfaction: practicing empathy, controlling one’s feelings and stress and maintaining positive views about your partner.

In happy relationships, partners try to empathize with each other and understand each other’s perspectives instead of constantly trying to be right. Controlling your stress and emotions boils down to a simple concept: “Keep your mouth shut and don’t act out,” says Fisher. If you can’t help yourself from getting mad, take a break by heading out to the gym, reading a book, playing with the dog or calling a friend — anything to get off a destructive path. Keeping positive views of your partner, which Fisher calls “positive illusions,” are all about reducing the amount of time you spend dwelling on negative aspects of your relationship. “No partner is perfect, and the brain is well built to remember the nasty things that were said,” says Fisher. “But if you can overlook those things and just focus on what’s important, it’s good for the body, good for the mind and good for the relationship.”

Happier relationships, happier life

Ultimately, the quality of a person’s relationships dictates the quality of their life. “Good relationships aren’t just happier and nicer,” says Johnson. “When we know how to heal [relationships] and keep them strong, they make us resilient. All these clichés about how love makes us stronger aren’t just clichés; it’s physiology. Connection with people who love and value us is our only safety net in life.”

More Must-Reads from TIME

  • How Kamala Harris Knocked Donald Trump Off Course
  • Introducing TIME's 2024 Latino Leaders
  • George Lopez Is Transforming Narratives With Comedy
  • How to Make an Argument That’s Actually Persuasive
  • What Makes a Friendship Last Forever?
  • 33 True Crime Documentaries That Shaped the Genre
  • Why Gut Health Issues Are More Common in Women
  • The 100 Most Influential People in AI 2024

Contact us at [email protected]

Logo

Essay on Building Relationships

Students are often asked to write an essay on Building Relationships in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Building Relationships

Understanding relationships.

Relationships are the bonds we form with people around us. They can be with friends, family, or anyone we meet. Strong relationships are important for a happy life. They give us love, support, and help us feel connected.

Building Trust

Trust is the backbone of any relationship. It means believing in the other person and knowing they will not hurt you. Trust is built over time. We can build trust by being honest, reliable, and keeping our promises.

Communication is Key

Communication is how we share our thoughts and feelings. Good communication helps us understand each other better. It involves listening, speaking clearly, and being open to different views.

Showing Respect

Respect is treating others how you want to be treated. It involves being kind, understanding, and accepting of differences. When we show respect, we make others feel valued.

Maintaining Relationships

250 words essay on building relationships, what are relationships.

Relationships are bonds or connections we share with other people. These can be with family, friends, teachers, or even pets. Just like a plant needs water and sunlight to grow, relationships need time and effort to become strong.

Creating Relationships

Making new relationships can be as simple as saying hello. When we meet someone new, we can start by introducing ourselves and asking about them. It’s like opening a door to a new world, full of exciting things to learn and share.

Strengthening Relationships

To make a relationship stronger, we need to spend time together. This can be playing games, studying, or just talking. Sharing experiences and feelings helps us understand each other better. It’s like building a tower, the more blocks you add, the taller it gets.

Trusting in Relationships

Trust is a key part of any relationship. It means believing in someone and knowing they won’t hurt you. To build trust, we need to be honest and keep our promises. It’s like a safety net that catches us when we fall.

Respecting in Relationships

Respect is another important part. It means treating others the way we want to be treated. To show respect, we can listen when others talk and value their opinions. It’s like a gift that makes others feel important and loved.

500 Words Essay on Building Relationships

Relationships are the bonds we form with others. They can be with friends, family, or even pets. These bonds are built on trust, love, and mutual respect. They are an essential part of our lives. They provide us with a sense of belonging and make us feel loved and valued.

Building Relationships

Building relationships is a process that takes time and effort. It starts with getting to know the other person. This means learning about their likes, dislikes, dreams, and fears. It also means showing genuine interest in their lives. This can be done by asking questions and listening to their answers.

The Role of Trust

Understanding and respect.

Understanding and respect are also important in building relationships. This means accepting the other person for who they are, even if they are different from you. It also means treating them with kindness and respect. This can be done by listening to their opinions, even if you disagree, and by not making fun of them or putting them down.

Communication

Communication is another key part of building relationships. This means expressing your feelings and thoughts in a clear and respectful way. It also means listening to the other person and trying to understand their point of view. Good communication helps to prevent misunderstandings and fights.

Patience and Time

In conclusion, building relationships is a process that requires effort, time, and patience. It involves getting to know the other person, building trust, showing understanding and respect, and communicating effectively. Despite the challenges, the rewards of building strong relationships are worth the effort. They provide us with a sense of belonging and make us feel loved and valued.

Remember, relationships are like plants. They need to be watered and cared for to grow. So, take the time and effort to build strong and healthy relationships. They are a vital part of our lives.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

12 Elements of Healthy Relationships

Note: this post was updated in June 2024 to reflect new resources available to students and trainees.

In every relationship , it’s important to consider how we treat  one an other.  Whether it’s  romantic , platonic , familial, intimate , or sexual , your relationship  with another should be respectful, honest, and fun.  

When relationships are healthy, they promote  emotional and social  well ness .  When relationships are unhealthy,  you  may feel drained, overwhelmed, and  invisible .   

In a pandemic, it’s even more important to consid er how you engage with others.   B oundaries, communication, and time apart  are vital to having relationships everyone  involved  feels good about.   Reflect on your current relationships and consider how you can incorporate the  elements  listed below:  

  • Communication . The way you talk with friends or partners is an important part of a relationship. Everyone involved should be able to communicate feelings, opinions, and beliefs. When communicating, consider tone and phrasing. Miscommunication often occurs when individuals choose to text versus talking in person or a phone call. Figuring out the best ways to express your feelings together will help eliminate miscommunication.
  • Boundaries . Boundaries are physical, emotional, and mental limits or guidelines a person sets for themselves which others need to respect. You and your partners or friends should feel comfortable in the activities you are doing together. All individuals involved should be respectful of boundaries. Whether it’s romantic, sexual, or platonic, consider what you want the relationship to look like and discuss it with the other(s).
  • Consent . Consent is important in all relationships. Consent is uncoerced permission to interact with the body or the life of another person. Coercion can look like pressure to do something, physical force, bargaining, or someone holding power over another to get what they want. Consent can look like asking about boundaries in relationships, actively listening to responses, and always respecting those boundaries.
  • Trust . Each person in the relationship should have confidence in one another. If you are questioning whether to trust someone, it may be important to communicate your feelings to them. Consider what makes you not trust someone. Is it something they did, or is it something you’ve experienced in other relationships?
  • Honesty . Honesty is important for communication. Each person within the relationship or friendship should have the opportunity to express their feelings and concerns. If you don’t feel comfortable being honest with someone, consider why and seek support if needed.
  • Independence . It’s important to have time to yourself in any relationship. Having opportunities to hang with others or time for self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship. If you live with your partner(s) or friend(s), set up designated areas within your place where you can spend time alone.
  • Equality . Each person in the relationship should have an equal say in what’s going on. Listen to each other and respect boundaries.
  • Support . Each person in the relationship should feel supported. It’s important to have compassion and empathy for one another. In addition to supporting one another, it’s important to recognize your own needs and communicate boundaries around support.
  • Responsibility . Some days you may find you said something hurtful or made a mistake. Make sure to take responsibility for your actions and do not place the blame on your partner(s) or friend(s). Taking responsibility for your actions will further trust and honesty.
  • Healthy conflict . You may think conflict is a sign of an unhealthy relationship, but talking about issues or disagreements is normal. You won’t find a person that has the exact same interests, opinions, and beliefs as you; thus, at times disagreements may occur. Communicating your feelings and opinions while being respectful and kind is part of a healthy relationship.
  • Safety . Safety is the foundation of connection in a relationship. In order to set boundaries, communicate, and have fun, everyone must feel safe. If you do not feel safe to express your feelings, have independence, or anything else on this list, seek support using the resources below.
  • Fun . In addition to all these components, you should be enjoying the time you spend with others. Again, it’s important that your relationships promote your well-being and do not diminish it.

Want to learn more about healthy relationships? Check out this quiz by Love is Respect , a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline .

If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, the university has confidential, non-confidential, and peer-led resources you can contact for help and support.

Confidential resources provide assistance and support and information shared is protected and cannot be reported unless given explicit permission from the individual that disclosed; there is imminent threat of harm to the individual or others; the conduct involves suspected abuse of a minor under the age of 18; or otherwise permitted by law or court order.

Non-confidential resources are available to provide support or assistance to individuals but are not confidential and may have broader obligations to report information. Non-confidential resources will report information only to the necessary departments, such as Office of Institutional Equity (OIE).

Peer-led resources are available to provide support and assistance. Services are provided by Johns Hopkins students, and are non-confidential.

Hopkins Confidential Resources

  • Mental Health Services . Accessible, equitable, and quality mental healthcare to students and trainees across Hopkins. If you are in need of immediate assistance for a behavioral health crisis or urgent consultation, please call the Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team (BHCST) Access Line at 410-516-9355 .
  • JHU 24/7 Sexual Assault HelpLine: 410-516-7333 .
  • Primary Care . Medical services for the evaluation and treatment of illness or injury, preventive health care, and health education.
  • Religious and Spiritual Life : 410-516-1880 .
  • Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Alyse Campbell , [email protected] , book a time to chat at: tinyurl.com/MeetwAlyse .

Hopkins Non-Confidential Resources

  • JHU Sexual Misconduct website
  • Campus Safety and Security : 410-516-7777
  • Office of Gender and Sexuality Resources : [email protected]
  • Office of Institutional Equity : 410-516-8075
  • Office of the Dean of Student Life : 410-516-8208

Peer-Led Resources

  • Sexual Assault Resource Unit (SARU): Private hotline: 410-516-7887.
  • A Place to Talk (available on Zoom). Serves Homewood undergrads.

Community Resources

  • TurnAround Inc. Hotline : 443-279-0379
  • Rape, Abuse, and Incest, National Network : National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673
  • Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA)
  • Love Is Respect
  • Environmental (48)
  • Financial (51)
  • Mental (191)
  • Physical (270)
  • Professional (163)
  • Sexual (71)
  • Social (164)
  • Spiritual (25)
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020

Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Family Relationships — Importance of Family Relationships

test_template

Importance of Family Relationships

  • Categories: Family Relationships Parent-Child Relationship

About this sample

close

Words: 515 |

Published: Aug 31, 2023

Words: 515 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Emotional support and security, healthy development and identity formation, nurturing communication skills, shared traditions and cultural heritage, crisis support and resilience, socialization and moral development, interpersonal skills and conflict resolution, elderly care and generational exchange, building strong communities and societal cohesion, conclusion: the enduring significance of family bonds.

Image of Dr. Oliver Johnson

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

  • Expert in: Sociology

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 733 words

3 pages / 1274 words

2 pages / 855 words

3 pages / 1139 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Family Relationships

Forgiveness is a complex and deeply personal process that often involves confronting painful experiences and reconciling with those who have caused us harm. In the context of familial relationships, forgiving a parent can be [...]

Teenage rebellion is quite a common phenomenon in society. Sadly, most parents find it hard to believe that teenagers are capable of rejecting almost everything that they stand for in their lives. While such behavior may seem [...]

Lewis, L. (2015). The Importance of Family Vacations. Psychology Today.Orthner, D. K. (2008). The Family Vacation: A Common Ground for Learning and Growth. Journal of Extension.Yeates, M. (2018). The Mental Health Benefits of [...]

Teenage parenting can be a challenging task for parents, as it involves dealing with the realities of adolescence and maintaining a strong relationship with their children. During the teenage years, adolescents undergo [...]

The family has long been the most basic unit of human society. In a traditional sense, it typically functions as a support system, often both financially and emotionally, with each spouse supporting the other and together the [...]

Reading a Dostoevsky book doesn’t give us any insight into the mind of Fyodor Dostoevsky. Dostoevsky almost never makes a blanket statement in his books, and, in general, very few opinions voiced by characters in his novels can [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

essay on good relationship

Writing Universe - logo

  • Environment
  • Information Science
  • Social Issues
  • Argumentative
  • Cause and Effect
  • Classification
  • Compare and Contrast
  • Descriptive
  • Exemplification
  • Informative
  • Controversial
  • Exploratory
  • What Is an Essay
  • Length of an Essay
  • Generate Ideas
  • Types of Essays
  • Structuring an Essay
  • Outline For Essay
  • Essay Introduction
  • Thesis Statement
  • Body of an Essay
  • Writing a Conclusion
  • Essay Writing Tips
  • Drafting an Essay
  • Revision Process
  • Fix a Broken Essay
  • Format of an Essay
  • Essay Examples
  • Essay Checklist
  • Essay Writing Service
  • Pay for Research Paper
  • Write My Research Paper
  • Write My Essay
  • Custom Essay Writing Service
  • Admission Essay Writing Service
  • Pay for Essay
  • Academic Ghostwriting
  • Write My Book Report
  • Case Study Writing Service
  • Dissertation Writing Service
  • Coursework Writing Service
  • Lab Report Writing Service
  • Do My Assignment
  • Buy College Papers
  • Capstone Project Writing Service
  • Buy Research Paper
  • Custom Essays for Sale

Can’t find a perfect paper?

  • Free Essay Samples
  • Relationship

Essays on Relationship

Writing a relationship essay is an important task that will prove helpful in understanding human communication. Throughout life, people enter into various kinds of relationships, which are based on their interaction with each other. Relationship essays explore different kinds of relationships: professional, romantic, family, friendly, trade, political, and so on – they are countless. Interpersonal relationships are a basis for most human activities. They are built and strongly dependent on communication. Essays on relationship point out that in order for any relationships to be successful and fruitful, people must be honest, respectful, caring, and supportive to one another. Look through relationship essay samples below. We made an effort to compose highly informative and interesting essay samples for you to read so your essays could be even better.

Marriage divorces have been the current issue in our modern society. Due to the recurring incidences of marriage breakups, these problems are slowly taking root in our communities and seen as right. However, divorces are not usually the best solution to marital conflicts. I believe that there is always an...

4.1 Introduction Technological advances in mobile communication devices and breakthrough in dating apps, virtual communities have emerged, characterized by increased socialization in a virtual society. Dating in contemporary societies is only a swipe away. Studies indicate that at least 1 in 10 Americans use online dating services (Alhabash, Hales, Baek...

Words: 4800

An interpersonal relationship can be described as an emotional/romantic partnership between two individuals. Interpersonal relationships can bring out positive emotions and feelings of togetherness in people. However, people have a habit to forget how important two individuals are to each other in a romantic relationship and may stray from their...

Words: 1918

Generally, human beings understand the term attachment as a form of constant feeling in which one is emotionally sealed to another person or something. Psychologically, the attachment is widely viewed as that feeling of love and the want for someone else or another individual majorly for care and security. In...

Words: 1739

Esther Perel’s TED talk on infidelity was an intriguing and transcendent talk that accurately captured the factors that contribute to affairs in marriages. Case in point, one aspect that Esther expounded upon as the provocative factor to engage in an affair, is the desire to be happy (Perel). In today’s...

Society construct on the issue of marriages are strict and enshrined in religious, political and demographic foundations. According to Christianity, marriage is divine and is only between a man and a woman as God created Eve to be a helper to Adam (Gen 2:18, NIV). Sex is the most sacred...

Words: 2122

Found a perfect essay sample but want a unique one?

Request writing help from expert writer in you feed!

The style of attachment affects everything from the way we develop a relationship with our partners to how well we select the partners themselves to sadly, how relationships break up. Recognizing the attachment styles and its impacts on love can help us to understand our vulnerabilities and strengths in a...

Generally, human beings understand the term attachment as a form of constant feeling in which one is emotionally sealed to another person or something. Psychologically, the attachment is widely viewed as that feeling of love and the want for someone else or another individual majorly for care and security. For...

Social theory is an analytical framework used for the examination of social phenomena and interactions (Murphy, (2016). Therefore, the theory seeks to explain the behavior of people and societies that tend to initiate closeness. Gender, ethnicity, cultural power and social behavior are some of the primary elements that impact social...

Marriage: Marriage is a socially accepted joining of two people that establishes obligations and expectations or rights between the spouses (Allen & Jaramillo-Sierra 2015). It is a union sanctioned by society, traditionally between a man and a woman. Marriage operates based on customs, rules, and laws, with accompanying attitudes and beliefs...

Words: 1608

Background Our interviewee is Lauren Tian who was born in Russia and has been raised in Vietnam. Her father is Vietnamese, and her mother is from Russia. Lauren was born on 1 April 1999 in Russia. Despite the fact that Lauren has a normal appearance, she is unlike other children because...

Words: 1023

Friendship is a fundamental aspect in the contemporary world, especially due to the fact that no one can manage to live by himself or herself. With genuine friends, an individual manages to overcome some of the life obstacles that usually hit when they are least expected. As sages put it,...

Related topic to Relationship

You might also like.

  • Skip to main content

India’s Largest Career Transformation Portal

Essay on Relationship for Students in English | 500 Words Essay

December 20, 2020 by Sandeep

Essay on Relationship: Humans are social animals; they love to connect and interact with people because we are all interdependent on each other. In the process, we tend to build beautiful, and long-lasting bonds called relationships. We forge relationships with our family members, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, neighbours and even animals. We have to nurture ties in a relationship with love, care, self-respect and mutual understanding. Transformation and change are also part of beautiful relationships.

Essay on Relationship 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Relationship Essay in English, suitable for class 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

A relationship is a state of being connected. It is also referred to as a close connection between two people. The concept of a relationship is broad, interconnected and varies from person to person. It is the outcome of emotional bonds and interactions. Mutual experiences, love and affection strengthen these strong ties. There are various types of relationships like family, friendship, acquaintanceship and romantic relationships.

Family relationships: Family plays a vital role in developing strong bonds and instilling values. It is our foundation for future endeavours and successful connections. As a member of the family, we are associated with blood through the relationship with parents, brother and sister and non-blood such as aunts or uncles. We grow up together with siblings and other relatives and eventually form a healthy bond. It is in the family that children learn to be compassionate and considerate towards each other and then follow the legacy ahead. Guidance, support, boundaries and disciple are all necessary elements that should run in the family.

Friendship: Friends are again considered as second family whom we trust, respect, care, and love. A good company is based upon loyalty, honesty and support. How strong your friendship is depending upon how close you are to the person. Out of many, only a few of them are considered as best friends and confided to share personal problems and happiness. We can choose our friends and create a comfortable space with them. The quality should matter over quantity.

Romantic relationship: It is a relationship that we attach ourselves firmly. It exists between the husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, boyfriend and boyfriend and girlfriend and girlfriend. They marry or stay in a live-in relationship together. It is the closest and essential relationship of all. The people develop profound connection and bond that they do not feel with any other person. Such relationships are built on respect, love, support, acceptance, consideration and shared interests. Here, the compatibility, attitude and thinking guide the relationship ahead to become successful.

Acquaintances: These are the people we encounter regularly but are not our relatives or friends. It can be a neighbour or a work colleague, but it is necessary to show respect and politeness. Greeting them with a smile is the most crucial action to show that the world is kind. Moreover, such relationships later evolve into friendships or even marriage.

The relationships mentioned above mould our personal life. However, the success of these relationships depends upon what we as individuals are prepared to invest in them. The core ingredient required for any relationship to sustain is the amount of trust and willingness we show to each other. It is imperative to communicate effectively, apologise and accept mistakes, take responsibility, maintain humility and give each additional space and time.

We face challenges like breakups, loss of a job, infidelity and fluctuations in financial status, which affects our bond and impacts the relationship. Therefore, in such hard times, it is essential we hold on to each other patiently and lovingly. When a relationship is working fine, and everything is merry, we tend to become complacent ignoring or stop attending to other person’s needs and expectations. Due to this, misunderstandings develop further making it worse.

Therefore, it is necessary to check up on each other regularly by engaging in meaningful conversations and to bring changes if required. Moreover, instead of pointing out at others, we need to self-analyze and be aware of our actions. We need to ask questions such as, Am I communicating openly? Have I hurt anyone through my words? Am I expecting too much, or do I assume my responsibility appropriately? In doing so, we need to acknowledge others for their hard work and time.

Developing a positive attitude is the key to strengthen the connection. There should be a frequent display of appreciation and usage of kind words. Furthermore, listening is the utmost important communication skill of all. Understanding another person’s situation is essential to solve problems and avoid conflicts. Since arguments are inevitable in any relationship, it is mandatory to demonstrate modesty and forgiveness instead of taking a stance of I win, you lose. Lastly, all relationships go through hell; only real ones get through it and emerge victoriously.

Short Essay on Relationship 250 Words in English

Relationship Essay, suitable for classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Humans interact with each other every day. Through such interaction and communication, relationships are formed. The quality of any relationship depends upon the following three essential traits such as reliability, trust and healthy conversation. If these traits are fulfilled then only the bond sustains for a more extended time. Moreover, having a relationship is crucial to our mental status, which ensures a healthy mind and a happy family.

Every person seeks a perfect relationship but lacks the mechanics to achieve one. In such conditions, we fail to develop a supportive relationship. It is necessary to provide emotional and psychological support, love and affection to one another so that it gives meaning to life.

To have a good and successful relationship, people need to be patient, peaceful and motivate each other. As a member, everybody should strive hard to maintain a healthy relationship with each other. The children should be imbibed with the values concerning the relationships. To do so, one must convey ideas, thoughts, feelings and expectations among the people. Any obstacle or difficulty must be dealt with a successful contribution.

Furthermore, each member should understand their role in a particular relationship and play their part accordingly. A relationship can be with your family, friends, colleague, husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend. Therefore, knowing our position and its accountability enhances the essence of any relationship. An individual realizes his/her worth and identity when they have a significant connection to each other.

According to the researchers, people need each other to live long. As man is a social animal, he needs to surround himself with associations and robust connections. If not so, then humans undergo depression and start feeling lonely. They neglect their purpose and enter into a self-damaging mindset. Hence, to heal from problems to share happiness, we require positive and supportive people who will guide and encourage us.

  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Therapy Center
  • When To See a Therapist
  • Types of Therapy
  • Best Online Therapy
  • Best Couples Therapy
  • Managing Stress
  • Sleep and Dreaming
  • Understanding Emotions
  • Self-Improvement
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Student Resources
  • Personality Types
  • Sweepstakes
  • Guided Meditations
  • Verywell Mind Insights
  • 2024 Verywell Mind 25
  • Mental Health in the Classroom
  • Editorial Process
  • Meet Our Review Board
  • Crisis Support

Why Communication In Relationships Is So Important

Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images

What Kind of Communicator Are You?

  • Why Communication Matters
  • Limitations
  • Characteristics
  • Communication Problems
  • Improve Your Communication

When to Get Help

Communication is vital for healthy relationships . Being able to talk openly and honestly with the people in your life allows you to share, learn, respond, and forge lasting bonds. This is a vital part of any relationship, including those with friends and family, but it can be particularly important in romantic relationships. 

At a Glance

While all relationships are different and each one has its own ups and downs, being able to talk to your partner means that you'll be able to share your worries, show support for one another, and work together to handle conflict more effectively.

If the communication in your relationship is lacking, you can strengthen it by being present in your conversations, focusing on your relationship, and really listening to what your partner has to say.

Our fast and free communication styles quiz can help give you some insight into how you interact with others and what it could mean for your interpersonal relationships, both at work and at home.

Benefits of Communication in Relationships

According to Dr. John Gottman, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Gottman Institute, a couple's communication pattern can often predict how successful a relationship will be. Good communication can help enhance your relationship in a variety of ways:

Less Rumination

Communication in relationships can minimize rumination . Instead of stewing over negative feelings, good communication allows people to discuss their concerns and resolve them in a more positive, effective way.

Greater Intimacy

Good communication in relationships also fosters intimacy. Forming a close emotional connection with another person requires a mutual give-and-take when it comes to sharing things about yourself and listening to the other person.

This reciprocal self-disclosure means talking about your experiences, beliefs, values, opinions, and expectations. In order to do this, you both need to possess communication skills that foster this connection and allow it to grow and deepen with time. 

Less Conflict

Communication in relationships reduces and resolves conflict. Every relationship is bound to experience conflict from time to time.

When you are able to talk about your problems in an open and honest way, however, you can resolve arguments and disagreements more readily.

Rather than getting caught up in a cycle of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and emotional strife, you can address your problems and take steps to improve your relationship .

Communication Doesn't Solve Everything

While the common assumption has long been that if you want to improve your relationship, you should start by improving your communication, some research has suggested that the answer might not be so simple. 

A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that while there is certainly a connection between communication and relationship satisfaction, good communication alone doesn't definitively predict how happy you'll be in your relationships.

Other Factors Play a Role

Other factors—including how much interaction a couple has, the personality characteristics of each partner, and stress—all play a part in determining how satisfied people feel in their relationship.

Another study found that positive communication did not have a strong connection with relationship satisfaction over time. However, couples that reported less negative communication than usual and reported feeling more satisfied with their relationship than they usually did.

So while research suggests that communicating well isn't a guarantee for a happy relationship, there is plenty of research indicating that good communication skills enhance relationships and well-being in a number of ways.

Effective communication is one way to foster a positive, supportive relationship with your partner.

When you actively listen and respond to your partner (and they do the same for you), both of you are more likely to feel valued and cared for. 

For example, one study found that when people feel that their partner values them, they are more likely to sleep better. And ultimately, feeling more valued, positive, and happy in your relationships can have a beneficial impact on your overall well-being. 

Communication is just one part of a good relationship. Research suggests that people who are happy in their relationships are more likely to communicate well with one another. 

Signs of Great Communication in Relationships

So what do experts mean when they talk about "good communication?" Are you and your partner both on the same page or are there signs that might indicate a problem in how you relate to one another? 

First, it is important to think about what we mean by communication. On the surface, it involves the words that people use to convey information to one another.

But it can also involve other ways of transmitting information including tone of voice, body language , and other forms of nonverbal communication . In many cases, what you don’t say can mean just as much if not more than what you do say.

Some of the hallmarks of effective communication in relationships include:

  • Active listening : Active listening involves being engaged in the conversation, listening attentively, and reflecting back on what people have said. It also involves asking for clarification when needed and avoiding making judgments. 
  • Not personalizing issues : When communicating in relationships, people who are good at it avoid personalizing their partner's actions. Instead, they focus on the situation and how things can be resolved.
  • Using "I feel" statements : I-statements can be helpful in interpersonal conflicts. Instead of saying, "You never clean up after yourself," try using an I-statement like, "I feel uncomfortable when there is clutter accumulating around the house."
  • Kindness : Kindness is important because it makes people feel cared for and understood.
  • Being present : When talking with your partner, it is important to be fully present in the moment . Getting distracted by outside sources–including electronic distractions such as your phone–can lead to a lack of communication and a poor connection.
  • Showing acceptance : Healthy communication is about accepting and validating the other person , even if you might not agree with them. When you communicate well with your partner, you’re able to recognize that people have a right to feel their feelings even if those emotions and reactions are different from your own.

Communicating well in relationships involves actively listening, avoiding judgments, and practicing kindness instead of trying to win the argument.

Signs of Poor Communication in Relationships

Some signs that your relationship is being negatively affected by communication problems include:

  • Assuming that you know what your partner thinks or feels
  • Constantly criticizing one another
  • Engaging in passive-aggressive behaviors
  • Feeling like you can't really talk to your partner
  • Getting defensive when your partner tries to talk to you
  • Giving each other the silent treatment
  • Having the same arguments over and over without reaching a resolution
  • Refusing to compromise or listen to the other person's perspective
  • Stonewalling in order to avoid problems or conversations

It is also important to learn to recognize some of the more subtle signs of poor communication. This can include avoiding arguments for the sake of keeping the peace.

If you never disagree, it means that one of you is hiding what you really feel or think just to avoid a fight. This deprives you both of experiencing authentic, open, and honest discussions.

Withholding issues can be another common communication problem in relationships. Instead of having tough conversations with your partner, you might avoid the issue and then end up dumping all of your anger, irritation, worries, or problems on the other people in your life. 

For example, when you don’t tell your partner you are upset, you might end up ranting to your friend about your frustrations. While this might provide you with an emotional outlet, it doesn’t do anything to resolve the problem. And it might result in passive-aggressive actions designed to "punish" your partner for not being able to read your mind.

Criticisms, defensiveness, silence, and feeling misunderstood are just a few signs of communication problems in a relationship. And a lack of arguing isn't necessarily a sign that you're communicating well. Instead, it may mean you are holding back in order to avoid conflict.

5 Ways to Improve Communication in Relationships

If you think that poor communication is having a negative impact on your relationship, there are strategies that can help you improve your connection.

Consider Your Attachment Style

Think about how your attachment style might affect your communication patterns. Attachment styles are your characteristic patterns of behavior in relationships. Your early attachment style, which emerges in childhood based on relationships with caregivers, can continue to affect how you behave and respond in adult romantic relationships.

If you have an insecure attachment style , you may be more likely to engage in communication patterns that can be seen as anxious or avoidant. Recognizing how your attachment style affects how you interact with your partner (and how your partner's style affects how they interact with you) can give you clues into what you might need to work on.

If you or your partner have an insecure attachment style, it can have an impact on how you communicate and interact with your partner. Knowing your style and being aware of how it may manifest as anxious or avoidant behavior can help you find ways to overcome less effective communication patterns.

Be Fully Present

In order to make sure that both of you are listening and understanding, minimize distractions and focus on being fully present when you are communicating. This might involve setting aside time each day to really focus on one another and talk about the events of the day and any concerns you may have. 

Limiting your device use at certain times of day, such as during meals or at bedtime, can be a great way to focus on your partner without having your attention pulled in different directions.

Use "I" Statements

Sometimes the way that you talk to each other can play a major role in communication problems. If you are both focusing on arguing facts without talking about feelings, arguments can quickly turn into debates over who is "right" or who gets the last word.

Examples of "I" Statements

"I" statements are focused on what you are feeling instead of your partner’s behavior. For example, instead of saying, "You are never on time," you might say "I get worried when you don’t arrive on time."

Using this type of statement can help conversations seem less accusatory or blaming and instead help you and your partner focus on the emotions behind some of the issues you are concerned about.

Avoid Negative Communication Patterns

When you are tempted to engage in behavior like ignoring your partner, using passive-aggressive actions, or yelling, consider how your actions will negatively affect your relationship.

It isn’t always easy to change these patterns, since many of them formed in childhood, but becoming more aware of them can help you start to replace these destructive behaviors with healthier, more positive habits.

Focus on Your Relationship

While good communication is important, research suggests that it is just one of many factors that impact the success, duration, and satisfaction in relationships. 

In fact, research seems to suggest that your satisfaction with your relationship might predict how well you and your partner communicate.

The more satisfied people are in their relationship, the more likely they are to openly talk about their thoughts, feelings, concerns, and problems with one another.

If you want to improve your communication, focusing on improving your relationship overall can play an important role.

There are many steps you can take to improve the communication in your relationship on your own, but there may be times that you feel like professional help might be needed. Couples therapy can be a great way to address communication problems that might be holding your relationship back. 

A therapist can help identify unhelpful communication patterns, develop new coping techniques, and practice talking to one another in more effective ways. They can also address any underlying resentments or other mental health issues that might be having a detrimental impact on your relationship.

Keep in Mind

Effective communication in a relationship allows people to tell other people what they need and to respond to what their partner needs. It allows people to feel understood, validated, and connected to another person. 

Always remember that the goal of communicating is to understand one another. It isn't about sweeping problems under the rug in order to prevent all conflict. Instead, focus on listening to understand and responding with empathy and care. If you and your partner are struggling with communication issues, consider talking to a therapist for advice and tips on how to cope.

Gottman J, Silver N. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work . New York, NY: Crown Publishers; 1999.

Lavner JA, Karney BR, Bradbury TN. Does couples’ communication predict marital satisfaction, or does marital satisfaction predict communication?: couple communication and marital satisfaction . Journal of Marriage and Family . 2016;78(3):680-694. doi:10.1111/jomf.12301

Johnson MD, Lavner JA, Mund M, et al. Within-couple associations between communication and relationship satisfaction over time .  Pers Soc Psychol Bull . 2022;48(4):534-549. doi:10.1177/01461672211016920

Selcuk E, Stanton SCE, Slatcher RB, Ong AD. Perceived partner responsiveness predicts better sleep quality through lower anxiety . Social Psychological and Personality Science . 2017;8(1):83-92. doi:10.1177/1948550616662128

Rogers SL, Howieson J, Neame C. I understand you feel that way, but I feel this way: the benefits of I-language and communicating perspective during conflict .  PeerJ . 2018;6:e4831. doi:10.7717/peerj.4831

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Interpersonal Communication and Effective Relationships Essay

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

Introduction

The relationship situation, the relationship’s stage, interpersonal communication theories, the affectionate exchange theory, the communication theory of identity.

Interpersonal communication is an essential attribute of life since humans, being a social creature, cannot avoid interaction with other people. The quality and productivity of communication patterns can vary, and related theories explain how the relationship process is formed and developed. As an example for analysis, my personal situation will be given in which my childhood friend and I appear. The affectionate exchange theory and the communication theory of identity are relevant concepts that can be applied to the situation under consideration to assess their usefulness for managing that case.

The situation for analysis concerns our joint trip to the cinema with a friend. When choosing a movie to watch, I insisted that we should watch a new blockbuster to see if it was worth the many positive reviews on the internet. However, my friend argued that we should not have gone to that film because it had no aesthetic value and insisted that we should have chosen a drama by a little-known but respected director. That situation did not give rise to serious disagreements between us but became the reason for the discussion. I, for my part, said that he behaved like a snob. My friend, in turn, spoke about the fact that we did not need to succumb to mass advertising and consume content that had no artistic meaning. As a result, we could not decide which film we could attend.

Commitment is the relationship’s stage that has affected the situation in question. My friend and I have known each other for many years. Despite any differences of opinion and misunderstandings, we both know that our friendship remains constant and does not depend on such factors as individual perceptions and preferences. As Floyd (2020) notes, commitment is the stage at which strong relationships are built. It is possible that it was due to our long communication with the friend that we did not quarrel and did not begin to sort things out by turning to personalities.

Appropriate interpersonal communication theories can be utilized as concepts to interpret the aforementioned situation. As such models, the affectionate exchange theory and the communication theory of identity have been chosen. Each of these concepts reflects characteristic patterns of interaction and allows a specific case of communication to be described to obtain a comprehensive view of the disagreement and reflect the background and potential consequences.

This concept is a model that largely explains the social nature of humans. According to Floyd (2020), the theory has its roots in basic life necessities, such as procreation and survival. In their desire to receive support, people interact with others, which develops over time into close relationships and transforms communication into a closer connection, for instance, into a family. Graves (2021) considers this concept as a framework that allows one to interpret “feelings of fondness and intense positive regard” (p. 356). As a result, the stability of communication is expressed in love or friendship relationships.

In terms of the aforementioned situation, the affectionate exchange theory demonstrates my desire to maintain normal relationships with my friend, regardless of the difference in views. While we may see individual cultural trends and view life differently, our friendship is what binds us, although our preferences are individual. Therefore, this concept, in many ways, fits the situation of going to the cinema and helps answer the question of why our relationship did not worsen after the discussion.

Another concept that may be applied to the situation in question is the communication theory of identity. According to Floyd (2020), this model is a framework that describes how different types of identity, including personal, communal, and some others, influence the nature of interpersonal interaction. Given the differences between people, distinctive perceptions regarding the same phenomena develop. Moreover, as Stewart (2022) states, layers of identity should not be separated in the evaluation of specific personality manifestations because it is this totality that influences particular worldviews. Therefore, from a communication perspective, an appropriate set of identity patterns defines relationships.

In the context of the situation presented, applying this theory can help understand that each person has a unique set of identities. In other words, even two people who are close to each other cannot consider and evaluate the same phenomenon or event in exactly the same way. Age, culture, and other characteristics inevitably affect the perception of the world, and our different views on cinema emphasize this thesis. Thus, when applying this theory to our situation, I can say that our unconditional acceptance of each other’s set of identities could have helped avoid any disputes.

The affectionate exchange theory and the communication theory of identity allow for interpreting the situation of my dispute with my friend and help assess how individual interaction patterns determine the nature of communication. The stage of commitment shows that despite any differences, my friend and I are not ready to give up communication. Both theoretical concepts involved contribute to understanding the characteristics of personal perceptions, which largely determine individuality.

Floyd, K. (2020). Interpersonal communication (4 th ed.). McGraw Hill.

Graves, C. G. (2021). Insights on affection exchange dynamics in interpersonal interaction . Personal Relationships , 28 (2), 355-378. Web.

Stewart, C. O. (2022). Stem identities: A communication theory of identity approach . Journal of Language and Social Psychology , 41 (2), 148-170. Web.

  • The Mineral Rights Conversation Reflection
  • Art of Negotiation as a Complex Process
  • The George Floyd Murder: Crime Analysis
  • Cats vs. Dogs: Are You a Cat or a Dog Person?
  • Relationships Between Dorian Gray, Lord Henry, and Basil Hallward
  • Miscommunication: Word and Verbal Barriers
  • Communication in the "Emily in Paris" Netflix Series
  • Challenging Conversations for Relationship Elaboration
  • Non-Verbal Cues in Close Relationships
  • Characteristics of the Communication Disorders
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, January 29). Interpersonal Communication and Effective Relationships. https://ivypanda.com/essays/interpersonal-communication-and-effective-relationships/

"Interpersonal Communication and Effective Relationships." IvyPanda , 29 Jan. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/interpersonal-communication-and-effective-relationships/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Interpersonal Communication and Effective Relationships'. 29 January.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Interpersonal Communication and Effective Relationships." January 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/interpersonal-communication-and-effective-relationships/.

1. IvyPanda . "Interpersonal Communication and Effective Relationships." January 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/interpersonal-communication-and-effective-relationships/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Interpersonal Communication and Effective Relationships." January 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/interpersonal-communication-and-effective-relationships/.

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

COMMENTS

  1. Essays About Relationships: Top 5 Examples Plus 8 Prompts

    Through interviews, one finds that relationships can happen when you least expect them. You might also be interested in these essays about reflection. 3. Why Adult Children Cut Ties with their Parents by Sharon Martin. "Parent-child relationships, in particular, are expected to be unwavering and unconditional.

  2. Essay on Relationship

    Essay on Relationship: Human is a social animal. To survive and stay happy, he needs to get connected with the people around him. To love and to be loved is the best feeling in the world. ... For having a good and healthy relationship, the person needs to focus on the basic four attributes. They are communication, trust, respect, and love. For ...

  3. 10 Pillars of a Strong Relationship

    Many of these are likely present in your own relationship; you just need to pause and take notice. 1. You can be yourself. You and your partner accept each other for who you are; you don't try to change each other. You can simply be yourself and show your true identity without worrying if your partner will judge you.

  4. Essays About Love and Relationships: Top 5 Examples

    5 Essay Examples. 1. Love and Marriage by Kannamma Shanmugasundaram. "In successful love marriages, couples have to learn to look past these imperfections and remember the reasons why they married each other in the first place. They must be able to accept the fact that neither one of them is perfect.

  5. 14 Important Characteristics Of Healthy Relationships

    Good communication is a necessary quality of a healthy relationship. If you're not willing to share what's going on with you or what you need from your partner, you're not going to get what you need. Yet people—out of shame or a habit built over a lifetime of bottling up our feelings—don't want to let anyone else in on what's going on with us.

  6. 9 Qualities of the Most Successful Relationships

    The deepest form of love is to want what is best for each other even when that sacrifice brings potential fear of loss. The old adage, "Let something go free. If it is meant to come back, it ...

  7. Essay on Healthy Relationships

    A healthy relationship is like a good friendship. It is when two people spend time together and enjoy each other's company. They respect each other, listen to each other, and understand each other's needs. They support each other in good and bad times. A healthy relationship is full of love, trust, and happiness.

  8. Essay on Relationship

    Relationship Essay Writing Tips. 1. Start by choosing a specific aspect of relationships to focus on, such as romantic relationships, friendships, family relationships, or professional relationships. ... Good relationships can improve our mental and emotional well-being, reducing stress and increasing happiness. 5. However, conflicts and ...

  9. Free Romantic Relationship Essay Examples & Topics

    Typically, "being in a relationship" refers to a romantic connection between two people. This kind of love is an emotional attachment between individuals, with passion being just one of the prominent features. Romantic relationships involve both spiritual and physical intimacy, commitment, and trust. In your romantic relationship essay, you ...

  10. The Importance of Friendship: Ways to Nurture and Strengthen Relationships

    Understanding the definition of friendship, the characteristics of a good friend, the benefits it brings, and the challenges it may face is crucial in nurturing and strengthening these valuable relationships. In this essay, we explored the definition of friendship, highlighting its deep and lasting bond based on trust and mutual respect. We ...

  11. The Science Behind Happy and Healthy Relationships

    Happier relationships, happier life . Ultimately, the quality of a person's relationships dictates the quality of their life. "Good relationships aren't just happier and nicer," says Johnson.

  12. Essay on Building Relationships

    Building relationships takes time and patience. It is not something that happens overnight. It takes time to build trust and understanding. It also takes time to learn about the other person and to grow together. Patience is needed when there are disagreements or problems. These are normal in any relationship and can be resolved with patience ...

  13. 12 Elements of Healthy Relationships

    If you live with your partner (s) or friend (s), set up designated areas within your place where you can spend time alone. Equality. Each person in the relationship should have an equal say in what's going on. Listen to each other and respect boundaries. Support. Each person in the relationship should feel supported.

  14. Interpersonal Relationships

    Introduction. Interpersonal relationships are normally evidenced between two or more individuals and may be based on (among other factors) love and solidarity (Berscheid, 1983, p. 1). These bases of interpersonal relationships normally vary but basically, they are centered on social, cultural, family or kinship relationships (in addition to ...

  15. Relationships' Types and Differences Essay

    Common types of relationships include family relationships, intimate relationships, professional relationships, and friendships (Duck, 2000, p.34). Each of these relationships is expressed in a different stage of development. However, two or more relationships can be present at the same time. Family relationship is the first relationship a baby ...

  16. Importance of Family Relationships: [Essay Example], 515 words

    Family relationships offer a unique source of emotional support. Within the familial circle, individuals find comfort, understanding, and empathy. Family members provide a safe haven where vulnerabilities can be shared without judgment. This support creates a sense of security and belonging that nurtures emotional well-being and encourages open ...

  17. Essays on Relationship

    Essays on relationship point out that in order for any relationships to be successful and fruitful, people must be honest, respectful, caring, and supportive to one another. Look through relationship essay samples below. We made an effort to compose highly informative and interesting essay samples for you to read so your essays could be even ...

  18. Essay on Relationship for Students in English

    Essay on Relationship: Humans are social animals; they love to connect and interact with people because we are all interdependent on each other. In the process, we tend to build beautiful, and long-lasting bonds called relationships. ... To have a good and successful relationship, people need to be patient, peaceful and motivate each other. As ...

  19. Love and Relationship

    Generally, love refers to some kind of inexplicable feeling which is felt by people towards others, probably those of the opposite sex. Relationship on the other hand would refer to the condition of people being connected or associated with each other. Get a custom essay on Love and Relationship. 184 writers online. Learn More.

  20. How to Improve Your Communication In Relationships

    Keep in Mind. Effective communication in a relationship allows people to tell other people what they need and to respond to what their partner needs. It allows people to feel understood, validated, and connected to another person. Always remember that the goal of communicating is to understand one another.

  21. 610 Relationship Essay Topics and Examples

    610 Relationship Essay Topics and Examples. Relationships essays are essential for many different fields of study, especially the social sciences. Whether the topic is that of friendship, mothers, fathers, siblings, distant relatives, or life partners, there is a vast wealth of information titles you can explore.

  22. Interpersonal Communication and Effective Relationships Essay

    Interpersonal communication is an essential attribute of life since humans, being a social creature, cannot avoid interaction with other people. The quality and productivity of communication patterns can vary, and related theories explain how the relationship process is formed and developed. As an example for analysis, my personal situation ...