Different Types of Interpersonal Relationships

When two individuals feel comfortable in each other’s company and decide to be with each other, they enter into a relationship.

A close association between individuals who share common interests and goals is called interpersonal relationship.

Individuals who are compatible with each other enter into an interpersonal relationship. People must gel well for a strong and healthy relationship.

Let us go through the various types of interpersonal relationship:

1. Friendship

   Friendship is an unconditional interpersonal relationship where individuals enter into by their own sweet will and choice.

   Friendship is a relationship where there are no formalities and individuals enjoy each other’s presence.

   Friendship can be between:

   • Man and a woman
   • Man and man
   • Woman and woman

   Must have in friendship:

   Transparency is the most essential factor for a stable friendship. Do not hide things from your friends. Be honest to them.

   Guide them whenever required. Never give them any wrong suggestions or advice.

   Feelings like ego, jealousy, hatred, anger do not exist in friendship.

   The entire relationship of friendship revolves around trust and give and take. No relationship can be one sided and same with friendship. Try to do as much as you can for your friends.

2. Love

   An interpersonal relationship characterized by passion, intimacy, trust and respect is called love.

   Individuals in a romantic relationship are deeply attached to each other and share a special bond.

   Must have in a Romantic relationship:

   Two partners must trust each other in this relationship.

   A sense of respect and mutual admiration is essential.

   Partners must reciprocate each other’s feelings for the charm to stay in the relationship for a longer period of time.

   1. Case - 1

      Marriage happens when two individuals in love decide to take their relationship to the next level.

      Marriage is a kind of formalized relationship where two individuals after knowing each other well decide to enter the wedlock and stay together life-long through thick and thin.

      Keys to a successful marriage:

      • Understanding
      • Love
      • Passion
      • Intimacy
      • Respect
      • Trust

   2. Case - 2

      Two individuals might love each other but decide not to get married. They are often called as boyfriend and girlfriend. They may or may not stay together. If they stay together without formally getting married, they are said to enter a live in relationship.

      Individuals staying at far off places but in a relationship are said to be in a long distance relationship.

   3. Case - 3

      Individuals not getting along might decide to end the relationship for a better future.

3. Platonic Relationship

   A relationship between two individuals without any feelings or sexual desire for each other is called a platonic relationship.

   In such a relationship, a man and a woman are just friends and do not mix love with friendship.

   Platonic relationships might end in romantic relationship with both the partners developing mutual love and falling for each other.

4. Family Relationship

   Individuals related by blood or marriage are said to form a family.

5. Professional Relationship (Work Relationship)

   Individuals working together for the same organization are said to share a professional relationship.

   Individuals sharing a professional relationship are called colleagues. Colleagues may or may not like each other.

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