The significance of relationship

Relationships form the most important part of our lives and are integral to almost everything we do, without relationships we can't really have a fulfilled life and learn how to do develop fully rounded and mature personalities. When we look back on our lives we only recall some of our memories, but the relationships we form are never forgotten.

Relationships are able to offer love, support, friendship, advice and guidance. Some people find they have a bond with another person that can make them extremely happy and can last a lifetime.

Relationships can be challenging

But sometimes, relationships can be demanding and upsetting, with frequent arguments – which is why a support network exists to provide advice and help to those in need.

Virtually everyone experiences problems in a relationship at some point, whether with a friend, lover, family member or even a work colleague. Many people, in fact, have difficulty being in a relationship, especially with a lover, due to the choices or actions we make, relationship history and the fact that everyone is different and reacts differently to situations or emotions.

A relationship with a lover is often the hardest type to stay in and there are certain factors that must be present in order for such a relationship to function properly:

• Ensuring that the relationship is a priority
• Differences can be resolved without intimidation or threat of leaving
• Each partner feels protected by and special to the other
• There is a sexual relationship
• Honesty, commitment and communication are essential
• The relationship is free of abuse
• Feelings and needs can be shared
• Each partner has unconditional love for the other
• Both individuals feel comfortable and able to express themselves
• Neither partner feels that they are being forced to stay in the relationship
• Each partner listens to the needs of the other
• Arguments can be prevented

We are not taught how to manage relationships at school – we learn the skills by practising them and understand what it takes to be successful in a relationship only through experience. This means that first relationships (especially with a partner) are often less successful, due to lack of knowledge about building and maintaining a relationship. Sometimes, people constantly make mistakes in relationships because they never understand how to properly be in one.

Typical relationship issues

• Marriage counselling
• Infidelity
• Separation and divorce

Personal issues may affect relationships

Personal issues are things that tend to make people feel down, confused or distressed. Everyone has a personal problem at some point in their life, but some individuals have more significant problems than others. It is important to get support from friends or family if you're going through a tough time; some individuals may even need to seek professional help from a counsellor if the problem is traumatic or hard to understand and deal with. There are many types of personal issues, ranging from coping with a loss to dealing with your sexuality.

Typical personal issues

• Abortion
• Abuse
• Addiction
• Bereavement
• Career choices
• Debt management
• Mental health
• Sexuality