How can one define the term "relationship"?

[civic]

So, I was hanging out with a friend recently, and we got to talking about what relationship definition is. It's funny, we started off just joking around, but then we got serious, even pulling up some articles and psychology theories. We realized it's way more than just romance – it's like this invisible thread of trust and understanding that connects you, whether it's with your family, friends, or a partner. It really got me thinking.

[celticman]

Yeyy Gotcha! Think of a relationship as your go-to person what? Someone you vibe with. It's not just about dating. It's that person you can text at 3 a. m. about a weird dream or just chill with in silence and it's not awkward. Could be your buddy, your sibling, or yeah, someone you're into. It's like that feeling of "Yeah, this is my person." They get your weird jokes, stick around when you're not at your best, and just make life a bit cooler. That's what we're talking about when we say "relationship." That's pretty cool and soo good. I wish i found like this person maybe one day hahahhaha by the way its really precious :) xoxo

[OlderAndWiser]

I think it is a mistake to try to accomplish a universal definition of relationship. Your post did not specifically state this, but I assume that you are wanting to discuss romantic relationships, so that is what I will address.

For most people, a romantic relationship MUST include sex; otherwise, they consider it to be only a platonic relationship. But not all people are strongly motivated by sex and some people would be content being in a relationship that did not include sex. And some established couples encounter circumstances which prevent them from having sex and they continue without it, but I wouldnn't say that their relationship has ended.

Some couples want to do everything together. I often joke that my mother and step-father are Siamese twins joined at the car key. They go EVERYWHERE together except the restroom! For other couples, that would make them feel smothered and they demand having a significant amount of times for themselves.

Most romantic couples have an expectation of monogamy and faithfulness, but there are couples who have open relationships and they say they are happy with that. Most couples want to live together but there are long distance couples who hope to eventually be together and there are couples who live thousands of miles apart and they see each other only on weekends or holidays.

The only characteristic that I can think of that seems to be common to all romantic relationships is emotional closeness and comfort. Most romantic partners feel at ease discussing things with their partner that would never be discussed with anyone else. But there are some platnic friends who have that level of familiarity.

So, I think that relationships are, in one way, like pornography. Supreme Court Justice Stewart admitted that he couldn't define it but added, "I know it when I see it."

[DaBiggestBird]

As Da Biggest Bird, I can say that a relationship is an interactive relation between two or more beings, living or inanimate. Since I’m speaking on a scale wide enough to include things like the ocean and rocks, “being (s)” means pretty much just any object, something with mass, inertia, things like that.

[Joshydavid25]

I define it as basically the state of being bonded or connected..

[katiesmuff]

Mine would be a couple who are monogamous