Relationships are a crucial part of being human. From birth they are the very essence of our survival and sustaining ourselves. No man (or woman!) is an island. Even the most introverted person needs others – even at a distance.

However, relationships are complex and can be hard work, or even harmful to us. Understanding how others see us, understanding them and really empathising with what another human being is going through might sometimes feel like looking through a brick wall.

People also change so much over time. Every seven years every cell in our bodies has changed and regenerated. We might be unrecognisable to our parents, friends, partner or children over time.

Couples often struggle, particularly after becoming parents. Memories of our own differing childhoods are brought up, and drawn on when we are triggered to know what to do – and what not to do.

Then there are the challenges we face in daily life, or the transitions and stresses we inevitably face. Moving home, becoming parents, taking a job overseas, getting a health diagnosis or becoming a carer for our own loved ones. In all these scenarios relationships are under strain and can change, yet we all need to build and maintain healthy relationships to sustain ourselves.