5 Ways to Label Human Relationships

 

Human relationships are definitely a complex topic. Although it would be impossible to accurately label every relationship perfectly with this system, you will understand how relationships should be viewed.

While going through this list, you will notice that many people in your life do not fit neatly into one category. However, you will also find that these same people do have a dominant relationship with you. How do you know which relationship status is dominant? First, which relationship will last longer? Second, if one relationship ends, will the other continue?

For example, you may be a co-worker with your spouse, but you will be married longer than you are co-workers. Also, a marriage will last even if the co-worker relationship ends. Therefore, a spouse’s family relationship is dominant over a co-worker relationship.

 

Acquaintances

 

An acquaintance is a relationship status with a person that you know of and they know of you, but the relationship do not fit any of these other categories. Many people will fall into this category. Many people will also confuse these people as their friends. However, the nature of this relationship is neutral; they are not emotionally invested in your well being.

 

Co-workers

 

These are the people that you work with. Your relationship is usually contained to a certain building or contained to specific activities. These may be people that you rely on, and that rely on you. People belonging to this relationship status are brought together for the benefit of a third party.

 

Friendship

 

This relationship status is brought together because they enjoy each other’s company. They are usually emotionally invested in each other’s well being. They seek out each other’s company in different places. A common reason friend’s are brought together is shared interests and common lifestyles. Friendships tend to fade away over the years, although they can restart at any time after reconnecting.

 

Family

 

A family is a human relationship that is brought together, not always by choice, but by fate. These relationships are legally and culturally understood. They are designed to last a lifetime. A family member is likely to be very invested in your well being and is the most likely group to go out of their way to help you.

 

Network

 

A network is a group of people that have similar goals, ideas, hopes, dreams, needs, mindset, and desires. It is a group of people dedicated to helping eachother so that the whole group will thrive instead each person struggling alone. This type of human relationship is an understanding that selflessly helping someone else will eventually result in other people selflessly helping you. A network understands that no one can do everything on their own. They learn the value of interdependence.

 

Warning

 

Most people belong to only one of these relationship types. That is exactly how it should be. Mixing relationships can cause problems. The relationship can become confusing and delicate, eventually leading to hurt feelings, disagreements, the reason for the original relationship suffers, being taken advantage of, inefficiency, and many other issues. Be careful before mixing relationship status.

Another warning is to be cautious of enemies. This is beyond the scope of this article, however, enemies often disguise themselves under positive relationships to hurt you. That is definitely something to be aware of.

 

Exceptions in Human Relationships

 

As with anything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. Not everything can be neatly defined or categorized. This article is meant to help you understand the human relationships that you have and develop every day.

 

Resources

 

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