6 Basic Types of Relationship and How To Define Your Love Life

These days, the word “relationship” is used so frequently that many people assume it has a single, accepted meaning. However, the term actually refers to a huge array of interpersonal ties, romantic and otherwise, and it’s likely that no two people have the same definition of what constitutes a relationship. Here is a cheat sheet with the fundamentals.

What is a relationship?

An intimate bond between two people is referred to as a relationship, particularly one where there are romantic or s*xual overtones. It can also be defined as an association between two people which can be either a good one or a bad one.

Usually, when someone refers to “being in a relationship,” they are referring to a certain kind of monogamous romantic connection that involves both emotional and physical intimacy.

Related post: Types of Romantic Relationship and How to define yours

Basic Types of Relationships

There are three main types of relationships: friends, family, and romantic. However, relationships fall into different categories such as

Friends (Friendship) are the most common type of relationship. Friends are people who are close to each other and share a common interest or bond. They can be platonic or romantic.

Family is the second most common type of relationship. Families are groups of people who are related to each other by blood or marriage. Families can be nuclear or extended. Nuclear families are families consisting of a mother, father, and children. Extended families are families that include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives.

Romantic relationships are the third most common type of relationship. Romantic relationships are between two people who are in love with each other. They can be heterosexual or homosexual.

Work relationships

Acquaintances

Enemies or rivals

Community or group relationships

S*xual relationships

Place-based relationships, such as neighbours, roommates, and landlord/tenant relationships.

There are various subtypes of relationships within each of these fundamental types, and the closeness of these various sorts of relationships can vary greatly. The following are a few of the various relationship types that you may come across throughout your life.

6 Basic Types of Relationships

Platonic Relationships

A platonic relationship is a type of relationship in which two people are not romantically involved. A platonic relationship can be between friends, family members, or colleagues.

Acceptance
Honesty
Support
Respect
Care

In a platonic relationship, the individuals involved may have a close relationship, but they are not s*xually or emotionally involved with each other.

Romantic Relationships

Love and attraction for another individual are traits that define romantic partnerships. While the characteristics of romantic love might vary, they frequently include infatuation, intimacy, and commitment.

Toxic Relationship

Any form of interpersonal interaction when your emotional, physical, or psychological health is jeopardised or threatened in some way is referred to as a toxic relationship. Some major characteristics of a toxic relationship include;

Controlling behaviours
Stress
Jealousy
Dishonesty
Poor communication
A lack of support

Work on setting up clear boundaries to protect yourself if you are in a toxic relationship with someone in your life. If the connection harms you, consider ending it or speaking with a mental health professional.

Casual Relationships

Younger persons are more likely to be in casual partnerships, yet anyone can have this kind of connection. Communication and consent are essential.

Friend with benefits
Booty calls
One-night stands

Open Relationships

An open relationship is a kind of mutually non-monogamy in which one or more partners engage in s*xual activity with other people or have romantic relationships with other people. In an open relationship, both parties agree to have s*x with other people, albeit there may be some restrictions or stipulations.

Any kind of romantic partnership, including dating, marriage, and casual partnerships, can involve open relationships.

Codependent Relationships

Codependent connections are jointly created. While one spouse may come across as more “clingy,” the other one may actually enjoy the need.

The following traits indicate a codependent relationship:

Assuming a giving role while the other person assumes a taking role.
Having the impression that everything requires your consent.
Being forced to protect or rescue the other person from their own behaviour.
Putting the other person first, even if they haven’t done anything to merit your esteem or favour.

How to define a relationship. (Your love Life)

It’s not necessary to start a severe or committed relationship to define your love life or your connection with someone. Clarity and honesty are the reason while defining your relationship.

Partners should be open and honest about the kind of connection they want. When it comes to dating, romantic relationships, and s*x, it is best to ensure that you are on the same page with your partner.

Here are the top few questions to ask each other to define your love life:

What do you want from this relationship? Something informal and spontaneous? Something more forward-looking? I’m unsure right now, so I just want to explore.

Do you desire a committed partnership or a long-term relationship? Do you see promise in this, if so?

Is there a romantic atmosphere here? Are you interested in exploring those feelings, or do you want to keep things more casual?

How frequently do we want to communicate and meet?

Must Read: Is Relationship worthless? A-Z Relationship Questions.

Does Intimacy in a Relationship mean to love?

Although asking these questions might seem scary or too serious, doing so will only lead to you making assumptions rather than learning the reality.

Conclusion

Some people may opt not to give their relationship a name because they don’t want to commit too fast or end up feeling imprisoned. One should realize, though, that in whatever relationship they are in, they retain total freedom of themselves, and it is up to them to express their needs, wants, and dislikes. Therefore, if you feel that you have reached a point where you cannot date one person alone, you should tell your partner so that they may decide if it is a situation that works for them as well.

6 Basic Types of Relationship and How To Define Your Love Life

6 Basic Types of Relationship and How To Define Your Love Life

What is a relationship?

Basic Types of Relationships