What is relationship?
A connection between two separate individuals. This connection could be based on their mutual likes or dislikes, their ongoing situation, their hobbies, future goals and many more things. There are different types of relationships, for instance:
- Family relations
- Friendships and acquaintances
- Romantic relations
- Sexual relations
- Professional relations
- Social relations
The connection between the two people involved here is attraction and love towards each other. Different types of relationships of a couple require commitment and consistency to be long-lasting. When we imagine a couple, we always imagine a happy couple’s relationship. However, there are other types of relationships between a couple.
Long Distance Relationship
What is a Long Distance Relationship?
One of the different types of relationships you will come across, a long-distance relationship, often referred to as LDR, is a romantic relationship between two people who are living far apart, away from each other. This may mean that the partners are in different cities, in different countries or even on different continents.
Kinds of relationship where the partners meet each other either after a few days, months or even years requires extra commitment, certainty and loyalty. Some couples walk the hard path, reach the finish line, and end up together.
How does it work?
LDRs are different types of relationships. The situation itself is complex. There have been cases when a happy couple ended their relationship because one of the partners or both the partners had to move away.
The distance between both the partners proves to be a big hurdle. Thanks to social media, it is easier for couples to stay connected to each other and be a significant part of each other’s lives.
However, social media cannot replace the impact of the physical presence of the person you wish to be with. It has been observed that communication and understanding take a severe hit in long-distance relationships, despite staying connected via social media.
Every person ever involved in different types of relationships and then in a long-distance relationship has been agonised by the physical absence of their partner. Accepting the fact that your partner is away from you and may not be physically available for you whenever and wherever you want is not easy for everyone.
There are many types of love relationships, but long-distance couples often report feeling a lack of a personal connection, something which is essential for a relationship to work out. There are of course pros and cons of a long-distance relationship, like any other relationship.
Pros of being in a Long Distance Relationship:
- Both partners are independent of each other. They live their own separate lives along with being invested in each other’s lives.
- They are always excited and curious about visiting each other in person.
- The distance helps to identify the intentions of each partner, if they stick around despite the distance, they really are committed to you.
- In this era of instant results, both the partners learn to be patient.
Cons of being in a Long Distance Relationship:
- One of the obvious cons of being in a long distance relationship is the gap caused by the distance.
- Your favourite person not being physically present during your important moments.
- The pressure to make each moment together count.
- Feeling left out when you see other couples around you.
- The possibility of a communication gap and your partner drifting away.
Probable Obstacles in a Long Distance Relationship
Different types of relationships have their own issues, including LDR. Each relationship has its own issues. There are some common problems that couples in long-distance relationship face:
- Misunderstandings/Miscommunication: Text messages fail to deliver the exact emotion and intention behind the typed message. Even talking on the phone without being able to decipher the person’s expressions leads to many misunderstandings and can create a wrong impression. Healthy relationship meaning stems from healthy communication.
- Uncertainty: Many partners in a long distance relationship have confessed to feeling uncertain about the success of their relationship. Not knowing if the other person is interested in you despite being far away, or if they have found someone else who lives close by, is a big dilemma.
- Loneliness: Knowing that you have a partner, but being separated from them, leaves you feeling lonely. Staying committed to someone you do not meet can be frustrating. Another add-on to this is you have to turn down other people’s proposals because you want to stay loyal.
- Not enough time: Whenever the two of you meet, it seems that time flies by. You wish for the visits to never end. There is never enough time for you to do the things you want to do together. The time spent together never seems enough. In the blink of an eye, you have to move apart again, and once busy with your daily routine, you spend only some time talking to your partner. This can make either partner feel that they are not being given enough time.
- Trust issues: Quite a few long-distance relationships have been destroyed due to the lack of trust from one or both partners. Not being able to trust someone away from you can cause you to act in ways you never wanted to. Asking multiple questions, wanting to stay connected 24/7, and accusing your partner of lying are a few examples of how trust issues are manifested.
Toxic Relationship
What is a Toxic Relationship?
There can be different types of relationships that cause pain and a toxic relationship is one of them. A toxic relationship is mentally, physically, emotionally and may even be physically harmful to either one or both the individuals involved. If the relationship hampers your peace, happiness and sense of self, it proves to be toxic.
What are the Red Flags in a Toxic Relationship?
It may be difficult to identify the red flags in different types of relationships, and even harder with rose-coloured glasses on, but there are a few set signs of a toxic relationship:
Controlling behaviour: If your partner has the habit of monitoring your every move, the relationship can get suffocating. Being told what to do and how to dress, having to take permission from your partner for everything, having to report where and who you are with, are a few examples of controlling behaviour.
Consistent doubting: Some partners tend to doubt everything you say. They will even go behind your back to fact-check your statements. This habit stems from their lack of trust in people. Different types of relationships end for different reasons, but doubting is common to most.
Growth stunting: Having someone you love is beautiful, although if that someone is being a hindrance or worse, a block to your personal growth, he/she is not the right one. A partner should motivate and encourage you towards personal development and to achieve your hopes and dreams.
Blocking social engagement: If you notice yourself cutting off ties with your family, friends and acquaintances because of your partner, or you avoid spending time with others because it may upset your partner, it may not be the relationship you want to be in, in the long run.You need not just romantic love, but different types of relationships to sustain.
Abuse: If the relationship involves any type of abuse, be it physical, emotional, mental, sexual or verbal, end the relationship as soon as possible.
Disrespect: Respect is a two-way street. If you notice your partner disrespecting you, your family or friends count it as a red flag. Disrespect leads to arguments and hampers the relationship.
Toxic communication: Conversations between two people in a relationship should be reciprocated and healthy. If expressing your emotions to your partner leads to arguments and violence, the red flag of your toxic relationship is flaring high.
Other Articles by Ananda on Toxic Relationships
Toxic relationships are difficult to be in and even more difficult to get out of. Ananda is here to help you through this difficult process. We provide counselling and we have written more articles for you to read regarding toxic behaviour and about different types of relationships.
Overcoming Toxic Relationships and 10 Tips for Ending Toxic Relationships help you identify the red flags of a toxic relationship and ways to end and overcome toxic relationships.
Dysfunctional Relationship
Different types of relationships can be dysfunctional – both familial and romantic. A relationship is expected to add support, security, happiness and love to the partners’ lives. When a relationship fails to do so and instead adds havoc to their lives, it can be termed as a dysfunctional relationship.
Causes of a Dysfunctional Relationship
A dysfunctional relationship is ultimately the result of the personalities, behaviours and attachment styles of the partners involved.
Adults who grew up in troubled homes with different types of relationships and/or trauma have a higher number of dysfunctional relationships. Their attachment styles are often unhealthy; hence they end up causing a negative impact on their own relationships despite wanting to make it work.
Signs of a Dysfunctional Relationship
Many couples fail to realise when their relationship begins going down the path of dysfunction. Here are a few signs that you might be in a dysfunctional relationship.
Chaotic communication: If conversations with your partner are nothing less than an argument, communication is definitely a key concern. Expressing, sharing, discussing and validation are requirements for healthy communication between partners, in all the different types of relationships.
Detachment: Feeling like you are not a part of the relationship anymore, feeling distant from your partner or feeling like you once knew your partner well, but now see them as a stranger, are indications that you want out of the relationship.
Blame game: Some couples prefer pointing fingers at each other rather than owning up to their mistakes, apologising, and moving on. Blame games weaken the relationship and have been noted to reduce partners’ respect for each other.
Regret: Sentences like “I made a mistake choosing you” or “I regret being with you” are rooted in resentment. People resent things they truly do not want. Therefore if you notice regret in yourself or your partner, it is a clear sign that your relationship is going downhill.
Trust issues: Trust lays a strong foundation for all different types of relationships.
However, the lack of trust leaves no chances for a permanent relationship to be built. When either or both partners have a suspicious nature, they have the power to destroy a probable successful relationship.
Uncertainty: Not knowing where the relationship is heading and whether you want to seriously commit to your partner, in spite of being in that relationship for a long time, indicates that the relationship is not substantial and maybe feelings are not reciprocated.
Platonic Relationship
What is a Platonic Relationship?
Different types of relationships exist that are non-romantic in nature. Much like friendship is not a romantic relationship example, neither is a platonic relationship.
The term platonic relationship may sound new to some of you. But the concept and terminology of a platonic relationship has always existed. The word platonic was derived from the ideas of the great philosopher Plato.
A platonic relationship involves two people who are very attached to each other, who have a strong bond, who adore, respect and love each other – but are not indulging in the sexual side of the relationship. And these different types of relationships can be healthy.
The love they feel towards each other is referred to as platonic love.
Who has Platonic Relationships?
Words like bromance and womance would aptly describe different types of relationships that are platonic and non-romantic. It is important to have some relationship of this nature.
A bromance is one of those different types of relationships when two males are emotionally close to each other but do not indulge in sexual acts. Likewise, a womance is when two females are emotionally close to each other but do not indulge in sexual acts.
A work spouse is also a platonic relationship, where a colleague is very close to you but there are obviously no sexual aspects to that relationship.
Online Relationship Counselling and Relationship Therapist
When is Counselling Needed?
Even the best relationships need some counselling and guidance about the relationship as life goes on.
Different situations and circumstances in life may alter the nature of a relationship. And different types of relationships require different approaches.
Different types of relationship counselling can help in a number of situations:
- Whenever a couple notices a drift in their relationship
- Lack of communication and trust
- Reduced attraction towards each other
- Loss of willingness to stay with each other
- Undergoing a trauma together
We have seen different types of relationships where ending it seemed the only solution. But after dedicated couples counselling, the relationship was renewed and lasted long-term.
We also know that different types of relationships like long-distance relationships and virtual relationships are highly dependent on the online world and digital spaces. The partners may be away from each other – and we can help you by conducting the counselling online.
How is it Done?
Since the pandemic, the whole world has taken to online services. Likewise, different types of relationships counselling can also be done through an online platform. This has made it easier for clients and therapists from far locations to connect.
Most online counselling sessions require the client and counsellor to keep the audio and video on. Couples counselling is done individually for each partner, and with both the partners together, for different relationships at different stages.
Step 1: Sharing and Identifying the Issues
During the therapy, each partner shares their concerns through their perspective and the other partner shares their perspective regarding the same concern. This helps identify the root causes of the problems for all the different types of relationships.
Step 2: Taking Action
Once the issues are clearly identified for the different types of relationships, we understand what kind of relationship you want and the counsellor or therapist decides the therapy or combination of therapies and healthy relationship tips that can be used to deal with the identified issues.
We at Ananda have a team of experts who are available for online relationship counselling and individual counselling for different types of relationships.
Book a session with Ananda and talk to one of our certified counsellors to take a step towards a healthier relationship.
Is Sex Important in a Relationship?
Different types of relationships are as distinct as the individuals involved in it. Therefore, the need for sex in the relationship is totally the choice of the two partners in that relationship.
Physical intimacy has proven to have certain benefits. These benefits include emotional as well as physical ones.
Physical benefits: There are different types of sexual relationships. Sex provides a light workout routine and is reported to enhance the immune system and improve heart health. It also enhances your cognitive abilities like memory and the ability to multitask.
Apart from the benefits, sexual acts give us the power to satisfy and give pleasure to our partner. Knowing that you can keep your partner satisfied gives an individual’s self-confidence a boost. Studies show that sexually compatible couples have higher chances of long-term relationships. Being sexually compatible and knowing how to satisfy your partner are plus points to all the different types of relationships among romantic partners.
Besides the physical aspect, sex also has an emotional aspect. When two people who deeply love or like each other indulge in sex, it creates a special connection between them that only the two of them are allowed to enjoy.
Emotional benefits: Sex is a form of expressing love to your partner. Engaging in sex forms a strong bond between your partner and you. The exclusivity of this bond provides emotional security. Sex is also observed to be a stress reliever. It releases oxytocin which minimises the tension from your muscles. It also clears your mind of overwhelming thoughts.
Sex makes the partners feel wanted and loved which is a plus point for their emotional health in different types of relationships of a romantic nature. It gives them a sense of importance in their relationship. Knowing that your partner wants to be with you negates insecurity and uncertainty in the relationship.
Sex being the process to give birth to a child, is also the first option for any couple who wishes to have their own children. Creating another life together takes the relationship one step further and unites the partners as parents.
Most Important Things in a Relationship
There are a few basic requirements in all the different types of relationships, to be termed as an equal and stable relationship. Some of those things include:
Communication: Having and giving the space to communicate freely is a big requirement in all different types of relationships. Especially during emotional turmoil, disagreements and arguments. This allows both the partners to be heard. The other side of the communication coin is active listening which is just as important as talking.
Respect: As equal partners, respecting each other is important for maintaining a healthy and long-lasting relationship.
Support: Each individual has their own decisions, choices and personal goals. Having a partner who supports and motivates you is an add-on to the self confidence one has.
Trust: Having complete trust in your partner allows for a strong bond between the couple in different types of relationships. Trust here does not only refer to loyalty but also to trusting your partner’s discretion, decisions, abilities and words.
Appreciation: Both the partners have put in efforts, sacrifices and adjustments for the relationship. Being acknowledged and appreciated for it acts as a reward and motivates both to keep working to sustain the relationship.
Reliability: Being with a partner you can fall back on during tough times is always beneficial. Knowing that your partner has your back and will take care of the situation along with you is a huge stress reliever.
The Story of My Unhealthy Relationship (Trigger warning: descriptions of physical, sexual, emotional abuse)
There are different types of relationships – and then, there are bad ones.
I had been confident, social and full of joy. But that changed the day I began dating this guy who seemed to fit all my criterias as a perfect partner. I viewed him with rose coloured glasses the minute he began talking to me.
And everything after that seems like a blur up until the time he choked me till I was gasping for breath. All because I disagreed with him regarding something trivial. That was when my eyes opened and I realised the situation I had put myself into.
For all those months, I was blindly loving a boy who:
- Forced me to cut ties with my friends
- Made me doubt my own choices and decisions
- Gaslighted me often
- Spoke ill of my parents
- Verbally abused me every time I upset him
- Forced himself on me even when I clearly said no
- Told me what to do and what not to do
- Made me feel guilty if I ever needed my own space
- Forced me to acknowledge our relationship publicly.
It was on the day that he choked me that I realised that I was in that kind of relationship – where everything this boy did to me was allowed and accepted by me, without recognizing the toxicity of it.
Ending the relationship did not end his abuse.
He continued to call my parents and me to harass us with his baseless threats. It was only after we took legal action against him that he stopped bothering me.
Overcoming and healing from that trauma caused by the relationship has been difficult and slow.
But support from family and hope for a safer future has kept me going.
If you are reading this – and you feel trapped and isolated in a relationship that is causing you harm – I urge you to NOT suffer in silence. Reach out and seek help. Put your well-being first.
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