

{"id":38889,"date":"2019-06-12T09:21:37","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T09:21:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=38889"},"modified":"2023-02-13T14:25:13","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T14:25:13","slug":"interpersonal-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/interpersonal-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Types of Interpersonal Relationships and Why They Are Important"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-38891 size-full\" title=\"Understanding the Profile and Types of Interpersonal Relationships\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Understanding-the-Profile-and-Types-of-Interpersonal-Relationships.jpg\" alt=\"Understanding the Profile and Types of Interpersonal Relationships\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you aware of the types of interpersonal relationships or do you know what the term &lsquo;interpersonal relationship&rsquo; mean? If not, we&rsquo;re here to help you understand what it stands for, what are its stages and how interpersonal relationships can be beneficial in life.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aren&rsquo;t all relationships between humans interpersonal?&nbsp; Well, yes, they are, but there are varying degrees of just how interpersonal they are. The degree of closeness defines the uniqueness of such relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let us examine what is interpersonal relationship and how we can define it in simple terms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-define-interpersonal-relationships\"><\/span><b>How to define interpersonal relationships<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/terms\/interpersonal_relationship.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sciences Daily<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> describes interpersonal relationships this way &ndash;&nbsp; &ldquo;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-to-maintain-your-interpersonal-relationships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interpersonal relationships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are social associations, connections, or affiliations between two or more people. They vary in differing levels of intimacy and sharing, implying the discovery or establishment of common ground, and may be centered around something(s) shared in common.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interpersonal relationships psychology form one of the richest, most beneficial parts of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We can put it like only hermits living secluded in remote areas could prefer solitude to the pleasure of interpersonal relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humans are a social species and seek to connect with others and feel a sense of interdependence.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family, friends, colleagues, and people that we encounter as we go about our day&mdash;the attendant at Starbucks or the janitor at our workplace&mdash;we all feel good when we connect with and acknowledge each other on a daily basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-the-importance-of-interpersonal-relationships\"><\/span><b>What is the importance of interpersonal relationships?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our interpersonal relationships are formed for more reasons than just the nature of our species. We already know what role relationships play in our lives and how they keep us from feeling lonely and unloved. Types of Interpersonal relationships help in an individual&rsquo;s overall well-being and growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be said that the purpose of interpersonal relationships is to ensure our wholesome survival. We can list out the benefits or importance of interpersonal relationships as below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They help us fill up our emotional and physical needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They make us feel mentally balanced and healthy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They give us touchpoints, helping us navigate tough times as we know these people have our backs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They serve as a support network.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each person&rsquo;s actions affects the other person; hence, it aids improvement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can be mirrors to our lives, helping us see more clearly when we may be following a pathway that isn&rsquo;t the best for us.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They provide us with our best cheerleaders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They link us to values that are greater than ourselves.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplypsychology.org\/attachment.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attachment theory<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also explains our natural need to seek out and grow our interpersonal relationships. This theory defines the same attachment as a deep and lasting bond connecting people across distance and through time. Creating such relationships helps ensure healthy survival, especially when we are babies and completely dependent on caregivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is this bond between mother and child that encourages them to fulfill the babies&rsquo; needs, which of course, provides the continuation of the species. We don&rsquo;t outgrow this bonding behavior.&nbsp; In fact, as we grow, we replicate it and continue to benefit throughout our lives from types of interpersonal relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-38850 size-full\" title=\"Some examples of different types of interpersonal relationships\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/4-Complicated-Truths-About-Lying-to-Your-Partner-You-Need-to-Know.jpg\" alt=\"Some examples of different types of interpersonal relationships\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-major-types-of-interpersonal-relationships\"><\/span><b>5 major types of interpersonal relationships<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The depth, strength and type of interpersonal relationships vary depending on the individuals with whom we connect and form a bond with over time. What defines the relationship are the different expectations the individuals have and the context of the connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most basic five types of interpersonal relationships can be:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Family<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important among interpersonal relationship examples is family. We are born into a family and grow with them through the years to come, so this is the first type of interpersonal relationship we form in our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note that within our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/maintaining-healthy-family-relationships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">family relationships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we will have varying degrees of connection with our mother and father, our siblings and members of extended family (cousins, aunts and uncles).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The depth of our interpersonal relationships in our family is also somewhat culturally and religiously dependant. We may come from a background where family is the most important thing in life, or, to the contrary, the family has little significance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Friends<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our friendships can sometimes provide us with a greater sense of connection and support than the one we share with our family.&nbsp; The difference in the friendship bond is one we purposefully seek out, versus family which is naturally imposed on us.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Friends often form the most reliable among the interpersonal relationship types. An interpersonal relationship and friendship can be regarded as the two sides of the same coin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An interpersonal relationship through friendships can be within the same sex or different sex, but the essential ingredient is trust, transparency, laughter, unconditional support, common values and interests, and equal give and take.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/signs-a-friendship-is-turning-into-love\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 Signs of Friendship Turning Into Love<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>3. Romantic partners<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interpersonal relationships involving romantic partners are generally the most intimate ones, both emotionally and physically.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A healthy interpersonal relationship with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/love-tip-stay-crazy-about-each-other-with-these-8-romantic-phrases\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">romantic partner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is based on deep bonding, passion, trust, respect, and admiration. As a romantic partner often turns out to be the significant other we share the rest of our lives with, this among the types of interpersonal relationships, is crucial to our survival.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Work colleagues<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strong types of interpersonal relationships in the workplace benefit both the individuals and the company as a whole.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When employees feel a sense of connectivity with each other, a culture of fine work habits are formed and output is naturally enhanced.&nbsp; Happy workers generally deliver their best effort, and this makes for a productive business unit as a result.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since we spend a considerable time of about eight hours every day during the workweek with our colleagues, it is important for our mental health to feel like we are part of the same group, a group of people with whom we can spend some good time and exchange positive feedback with.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pointers of developing healthy interpersonal relationships in the workplace include &ndash;<\/span><\/p>\n<ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not treat the workplace as your home. Stay polite but professional.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not pass along office gossip.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not share all your secrets with your colleagues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give space to your co-workers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay away from office politics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your ego.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not criticize any colleague in front of others. If you have an issue with them, address it in a private setting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol><h3><b>5. Platonic relationships<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There can be some types of interpersonal relationships can we can recognize as platonic in nature. A platonic relationship can be defined as a close bond between two unrelated individuals without any sexual desire involved. There can just be an intense feeling of affection or fondness between the two persons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/platonic-intimate-relationships-and-sexual-abstinence\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">platonic relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be shared between people of the opposite sex who feel a deep sense of affection, which is mostly conveyed as care and respect. Though there is a possibility of a platonic relationship transforming into a romantic relationship over time with both partners developing romantic feelings for each other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To understand the difference between romantic and platonic relationships, watch this video:<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><\/span><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ovpVlp31BLI\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-stages-of-interpersonal-relationships\"><\/span><b>5 stages of interpersonal relationships<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As per a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/socialsci.libretexts.org\/Courses\/Achieving_the_Dream\/Book%3A_Child_Development_(Cummings-Clay)\/15%3A_Module_13%3A_Frameworks_for_Maturation\/15.2%3A_Relationships_and_Families_in_Adulthood#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20influential,continuation%2C%20deterioration%2C%20and%20termination.\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> done by psychologist George Levinger in 1980, any interpersonal relationship can go through 5 main stages. This was one of the most influential models of relationship development at that time which stays relevant till date.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Acquaintanceship<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the stage of initiation, where the two people meet each other or are introduced to each other for the first time. Here the people start off on the journey of knocking each other which eventually leads to the formation of a relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/reasons-to-be-in-a-relationship\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 Reasons to Be in a Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>2. Building up<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the phase where the relationship starts to build up and develops into a stronger bond. This stage forms the basis of the relationship and people get an opportunity to spend time together and form an attachment in the process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Continuation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the stage that comes once an attachment is already in place and an interpersonal relationship has been created between the two people. This phase remains somewhat stagnant as the participants get to enjoy being in the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/ways-to-put-effort-in-a-relationship\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20 Effective Ways to Put Effort in a Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>4. Degradation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s important to note that not all relationships pass through this stage. Many relationships are fortunate enough to stay happy and healthy through the test of time. However, for others, there might come a stage where the relationship starts to decline and deteriorate.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, the participants can find it difficult to continue with the relationship and are forced to withdraw. Degradation is one of the biggest challenges of interpersonal relationships. It is often a good idea to go for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relationship counseling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you&rsquo;re going through issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Termination<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The final stage of the types of interpersonal relationships marks the end or termination of the relationship. Once a relationship enters the degradation stage and no remedial action is taken to save it, it&rsquo;s obvious to enter the termination stage.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A relationship can end due to a number of reasons like compatibility, separation or even the death of either partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/therapy\/termination-in-counseling\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Termination in Counseling and How to Move Forward?<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some-important-interpersonal-relationship-habits\"><\/span><b>Some important interpersonal relationship habits<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may feel a connection to, say, the checkout lady at your favorite grocery store.&nbsp; In fact, you specifically try and get in her line when you shop there because you enjoy your conversations so much.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But this is a light social connection, not representing a close friendship or romance.&nbsp; While it is an interpersonal relationship, it does not carry the degree of intimacy that a friendship or love relationship has.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can read the interpersonal relationships examples for a better understanding of this terminology. A deeper, more-intimate interpersonal relationship will contain some of the following traits or habits:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You and the other person in the relationship listen to each other.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You strive to communicate openly and without judgment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You both trust and respect each other.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You consistently make time for each other and enjoy each other&rsquo;s company.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You remember details about each other&rsquo;s lives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You engage in healthy activities together.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You genuinely care about each other&rsquo;s welfare, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You accept each other as you are right now, faults included.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A-healthy-interpersonal-relationship-must-be-cherished-throughout-life\"><\/span><b>A healthy interpersonal relationship must be cherished throughout life<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human bonds are beautiful and can be cherished for life. Our engagement with our relationships is what differentiates us from other creatures on this planet. Each relationship contains a slice of our lives and hence is utterly special.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These ongoing interactions within all the types of interpersonal relationships we form in our lifetimes are what keep us sane, healthy and motivated to continuously strive for a better life. We must try to maintain these relationships for the best interest of us and our loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you aware of the types of interpersonal relationships or do you know what the term &lsquo;interpersonal relationship&rsquo; mean? If not, we&rsquo;re here to help you understand what it stands for, what are its stages and how interpersonal relationships can be beneficial in life.&nbsp; Aren&rsquo;t all relationships between humans interpersonal?&nbsp; Well, yes, they are, but there are varying degrees of just how interpersonal they are. The degree of closeness defines the uniqueness of such relationships. Let us examine what is interpersonal relationship and how we can define it in simple terms. How to define interpersonal relationships Sciences Daily describes interpersonal <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":675,"featured_media":38891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[2516],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38889"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/675"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38889"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38889\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":83104,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38889\/revisions\/83104"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38889"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38889"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38889"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}