Relationships are a part of human life. They’re guided by a biological need, and can be social or personal. Let’s explore the definitions of these important human interactions. Intimate relationships are sexual, but can also be non-sexual. Sexual relationships are defined as those in which two people spend a significant amount of time together.
Relationships are a part of being a human being
The ability to relate to others is fundamental to human interaction. In fact, human beings are some of the most social animals on the planet. Evidence for this sociality dates back thousands of years. It can be seen in scripture, poetry, music, and bestselling novels.
They can be personal or social
There are many types of relationships – some are personal and others are social. A personal relationship involves a person you care deeply about. A social relationship may consist of work colleagues or people you socialize with occasionally. Regardless of the type, a personal relationship is usually more important than a social one. Personal relationships are more stable and do not have the emotional roller coaster that characterizes social relationships.
They can be formal or casual
In a relationship, there is a difference between a formal and a casual one. A formal relationship is defined by a specific set of rules that both partners must abide by. A casual relationship is more fluid, allowing both parties to define the boundaries. For example, a casual relationship might be a friendship that lasts only a weekend, or a recreational relationship that involves a night out with your partner.
They can be monogamous or polyamorous
Polyamory is a type of relationship in which you can have multiple partners. There are no set rules for this type of relationship, but you must set boundaries and create agreements with each partner. This helps create a positive feedback loop and a sense of security.
They can include elements of friendship
There are three elements that make up a friendship. These are proximity, frequency and duration. Proximity is the distance between two people and the extent to which they are exposed to each other. Proximity is a crucial element in all personal relationships.
They require trust
In order to have a healthy relationship, both partners must be able to trust each other. This is crucial because it provides a safe environment for love to flourish. Oftentimes, relationships that don’t have trust crumble over time and are unsustainable. This is because without trust, it’s impossible to love unconditionally.