Relationships shape our emotions, growth, and well-being. Some uplift us, while others drain us. Here’s a breakdown of six key relationship types and how they influence your mental health, success, and happiness.

1. Supportive Relationships

Examples: Close friends, loving family, mentors.
✅ Effect on You:

• Boost confidence and resilience.
• Provide emotional safety and encouragement.
• Help you grow through constructive feedback.
  🚨 Warning Sign: If one-sided, you may feel drained.

Ask yourself: Do I feel energized or depleted after interacting with them?

2. Toxic Relationships

Examples: Manipulative partners, gaslighting friends, controlling family.
✅ Effect on You:

• Drain energy and self-esteem.
• Cause anxiety, self-doubt, or chronic stress.
• Keep you stuck in negative cycles.
  🚨 Warning Sign: You feel worse after spending time with them.

Ask yourself: Is this relationship harming my mental health?

3. Transactional Relationships

Examples: Work colleagues, networking contacts, business partnerships.
✅ Effect on You:

• Provide mutual benefits (career growth, resources).
• Lack deep emotional connection.
  🚨 Warning Sign: If unbalanced, one person may feel used.

Ask yourself: Is this relationship based on respect, or just convenience?

4. Romantic Relationships

Examples: Partners, spouses, long-term lovers.
✅ Effect on You:

• Deep emotional fulfillment and intimacy.
• Can inspire personal growth or trigger insecurities.
  🚨 Warning Sign: Codependency or loss of self-identity.

Ask yourself: Does this relationship help me become my best self?

5. Situational Relationships

Examples: Gym buddies, classmates, temporary coworkers.
✅ Effect on You:

• Provide companionship in specific contexts.
• Often fade when circumstances change.
  🚨 Warning Sign: Mistaking them for deeper connections.

Ask yourself: Would we stay in touch if our situation changed?

6. Self-Relationship (Most Important!)

Examples: Your relationship with yourself.
✅ Effect on You:

• Determines how you allow others to treat you.
• Healthy self-love → better boundaries.
  🚨 Warning Sign: Self-criticism or neglect.

Ask yourself: Am I treating myself with kindness and respect?

Key Takeaway:

• Keep: Supportive, healthy romantic, and self-relationships.
• Limit: Transactional and situational ties that lack depth.
• Leave or Repair: Toxic relationships that harm your well-being.

💡 Your Turn: Which relationships are lifting you up—and which are holding you back?