essay relationship meaning

Essays About Relationships: Top 5 Examples Plus 8 Prompts

With rich essays about relationships plus prompts, this writing guide could help you contemplate relationships, including your own.

Healthy relationships come with the rewards of intimacy, love, and the support we need. Learning to preserve healthy relationships and throw out harmful ones is a critical skill to lead a successful life. That is exactly why Warren Buffet , one of the most successful investors, said the most important decision you will make is your choice of a significant partner. 

There are several types of relationships your essay could focus on in your next piece of writing. Take a leap and tackle intimate individual-level relationships or community or even global-level relationships.

5 Essay Examples

1. relationship weight gain is real — and can be a sign of happiness by angela haupt, 2. what does it mean to be ‘ready’ for a relationship by julie beck, 3. why adult children cut ties with their parents by sharon martin, 4. a relationship under extreme duress: u.s.-china relations at a crossroads by michael d. swaine, 5. how to build strong business relationships — remotely by jeanne m. brett and tyree mitchell, 1. strengthening communication in relationships, 2. helping children build healthy friendships, 3. how social media affects our relationships , 4. establishing relationships with influencers, 5. importance of police-community relationships, 6. dealing with challenging work relationships, 7. promoting cross-cultural relationships among schools, 8. why do long-term relationships fail.

“…[A]mong those who had been married for more than four years, happy couples were twice as likely to put on weight than couples who reported not being as content with their relationship.”

Gaining pounds when you’re in a relationship is real. This essay backs it up with research and even seeks to answer who puts on the most pounds in the relationship. For those hoping to transform their lifestyle, the essay offers practical tips couples can do together to lose pounds while protecting the relationship and preserving the joy that brought them together. You might also be interested in these essays about divorce .

“Readiness, then, is not a result of achieving certain life milestones, or perfect mental health. And checking off items on a checklist doesn’t guarantee a relationship when the checklist is complete.”

People have a variety of reasons for not being ready to commit to a relationship. They may be more committed to developing their careers or simply enjoy the solitude of singlehood. But this essay debunks the concept of readiness for building relationships. Through interviews, one finds that relationships can happen when you least expect them. You might also be interested in these essays about reflection .

“Parent-child relationships, in particular, are expected to be unwavering and unconditional. But this isn’t always the case—some adults cut ties with or distance themselves from their parents or other family members.”

No matter how painful it is, some adults decide to cut off family members to heal from a toxic or abusive childhood relationship or protect themselves if the abuse or toxicity continues. In exploring the primary causes of estrangement, the well-researched essay shows that estrangement may run deep with years of conflict and many attempts to recover the relationship, rather than merely being the whim of selfish adults.

“…Beijing and Washington are transitioning from a sometimes contentious yet mutually beneficial relationship to an increasingly antagonistic, mutually destructive set of interactions.”

The essay charts the 40-year relationship between China and the US and points out how both parties have mutually benefited from the bilateral relations. This starkly contrasts Washington’s accusation that the relationship has been a zero-sum game, one of the numerous oft-heard allegations in the Washington community. But with the looming increase in tension, competition, and potentially a devastating Cold War between the two, parties must work to find a middle ground.

“Although many managers have adapted to virtual meetings to replace face-to-face ones as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, developing new business relationships online presents a particular set of challenges.”

Authors interview 82 managers pre-pandemic and reconnect with some during the health crisis to find out how they have been building relationships with business partners through virtual meetings. Most admit the challenge of establishing trust and assessing partners’ competency, especially when billion-dollar deals are at stake. The authors offer four key pieces of advice to overcome these difficulties. You might find our guide on how to write a vow helpful.

8 Writing Prompts On Essays About Relationships

We all know that communication is what strengthens relationships. But this is easier said than done when both sides want to talk and not listen. For this prompt, discuss the importance of open communication in relationships. Then, offer tips on how to improve communication in relationships and deal with communication gaps. One scenario you can look into is discussing problems in a relationship without getting into a heated debate.

In this essay, you can help parents become effective coaches for their children to make and keep friends. Warn them against being too authoritative in directing their children and instead allow the kids to be part of the ongoing conversation. Give your readers tips on how to build friendships such as promoting kindness, sharing, and understanding from a young age. You may also enjoy these essays about friendships .

When writing this essay, list the positive and negative effects of social media on relationships. A positive outcome of having social media is 24/7 access to our loved ones. One negative effect includes decreased time for more meaningful physical bonding. So, provide tips on how people in relationships can start putting down their mobile phones and talk heart-to-heart again. 

Influencer marketing has become one of the most popular and effective ways to spread your brand message on social media. First, explore why consumers trust influencers as credible product or service review sources. Then, try to answer some of the burning questions your readers may have, such as whether influencer marketing works for big and small businesses and how to choose the perfect influencer to endorse your brand.

In a working police-community relationship, police officials and community members work together to fight crime through information-sharing and other measures. Discuss this interesting topic for an exciting essay.

First, look into the level of working relationship between the police and your community through existing enforcement programs. Then, with the data gathered, analyze how they cooperate to improve your community. You can also build on the United States Department of Justice’s recommendations to lay down the best practices for strengthening police-community relationships. 

Amid competition, a workplace must still be conducive to cooperative relationships among employees to work on shared goals. Create an essay that enumerates the negative effects of work relationships on employee productivity and an office’s overall performance. Then cite tips on what managers and employees can do to maintain a professional and diplomatic atmosphere in the workplace. You can include points from the University of Queensland recommendations, including maintaining respect.

Students in a foreign country tend to feel distant from school life and society. Schools have a critical role in helping them feel at home and safe enough to share their ideas confidently. Set out the other benefits school environments can reap from fostering robust cross-cultural relationships and cite best practices. One example of a best practice is the buddy system, where international students are linked to local students, who could help expand their networks in the facility and even show them around the area to reveal its attributes.

When couples make it through the seven-year itch or the average time relationships last, everything down the road is said to be more manageable. However, some couples break up even after decades of being together. Explore the primary causes behind the failure of long-term relationships and consider the first signs that couples are growing distant from each other.

Look into today’s social sentiments and determine whether long-term relationships are declining. If they are, contemplate whether this should be a cause for concern or merely an acceptable change in culture. For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers and our essay writing tips .

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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Home / Health & Wellness Articles / Mental Health / The Importance of Connection through Meaningful Relationships

The importance of connection through meaningful relationships.

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From a young age, we are taught that we should not talk to strangers, but sometimes strangers become our most meaningful relationships. When one thinks of a relationship, we think of partners or significant others, but really it can be as simple as landlord-renter, boss-employee, mother-son and other friendships. Relationships are connections between two or more people that involve emotional or physical intimacy, whether it is with family, friends, romantic or professional partnerships.

How do we determine relationships that are meaningful? Meaningful relationships are those that are deemed significant and include mutual respect, trust, interest, positive regard and making the other person feel valued. The key to making these relationships grow involves building on elements of honesty and finding commonalities to help create that lasting foundation. It is important to build on these relationships that are significant to you because they will lower depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as lessen any sense of loneliness in your life.

Relationships create a sense of belonging and purpose through deeper connection. Some of the benefits of lasting relationships are the feelings of being seen and valued, improving mood and sense of self-worth, feeling expression, building support, and the release of chemicals in your brain such as dopamine and endorphins. Unfortunately, people get caught up with the business of their own lives, and it might be harder to maintain these relationships in person. Another way to help build upon your relationships and strengthen your communication is through virtual platforms, active listening and reaching out to your friends.

Oftentimes people forget some of the ways they can strengthen their relationships, but here are some simple practices to utilize in your daily life to offer further support to you and your relationships:

• Reach out. Sometimes we get lost in our own worlds and get upset when we notice someone hasn’t talked to us in a bit, but try to keep in mind that they might be going through something too. Take the first step and reach out to them.
• Connect virtually. When life happens, technology can be a great tool to stay connected through virtual platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, Skype and even group text messages! The benefit to technology is frequent, casual connection.
• Respect boundaries. There are limits to what one person is capable of providing to us. Try to understand that some people need space for themselves if they are struggling, and they need time for their life such as sleep, work and family.
• Active listening. Take the time to really be present in your relationships. Show respect and take an interest in them. Notice what they are sharing or what they are going through. Ask them questions, and make an effort to be a support person for them.

At the end of the day, consider who might be there for you to offer you support in times of need. You’re never alone, and remember that everyone has something to offer. If you find yourself struggling to connect with other people, it might be time to talk to a mental health professional. They can offer help to find the people who support you in your life.

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What Is Romantic Love?

Sheri Stritof has written about marriage and relationships for 20+ years. She's the co-author of The Everything Great Marriage Book. 

Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.

Cavan Images / Getty Images

Although there isn’t one clear definition, romantic love is most often thought of as a combination of attraction and idealization that can result in (or from) a bonded relationship. Romantic love has inspired artists for centuries and been the subject of countless plays, songs, movies, books, and other creative endeavors.

As anyone who's been in love knows, love is complicated and capable of eliciting strong emotions, from elation to heartbreak. Romantic relationships go through ups and downs—from that initial, intoxicating "honeymoon" phase to a sense of disappointment, and, ideally, to a state of acceptance and a desire for permanence. It can be challenging to move through these phases, but the reward is a healthy, long-term relationship.

Romantic Love vs. Other Kinds of Love

According to Sternberg's triangular theory of love , there are three components of love: intimacy, passion, and decision/commitment. These can apply in romantic relationships and other interpersonal relationships. The presence, absence, and combination of these three components make up seven different types of love.

• Friendship : Intimacy without passion or commitment
• Infatuation : Passion without intimacy or commitment
• Empty love : Commitment without passion or intimacy
• Romantic love : Passion and intimacy without commitment
• Companionate love : Intimacy and commitment without passion/sexual desire; this could also be called "platonic" love
• Fatuous love : Commitment and passion without intimacy
• Consummate love : Commitment, passion, and intimacy; represents an ideal relationship

Phases of Romantic Love

Romantic love often progresses through some of Sternberg's types of love in a few predictable stages. A relationship may start out as friendship or infatuation, and then proceed to romantic love and eventually consummate love. Or, it might develop from infatuation to romantic love but then become companionate or empty.

Infatuation

During the infatuation phase, also known as lust, you feel exhilaration, passion, and elation when you and your lover are together. Neurochemicals in the brain , such as dopamine and norepinephrine—also known as the "feel-good" chemicals—are released. These chemicals make us giddy, energetic, and euphoric, sometimes leading to decreased appetite and insomnia. You actually can be so "in love" that you can’t eat or sleep. 

The high you feel during the infatuation phase leads you to idealize the other person and want to be with them constantly; you think about them all the time.

Because this person seems perfect during this phase, you are also unable to see their flaws and shortcomings—hence the saying "love is blind." Typically, the infatuation phase lasts for around six months to a year.

Disillusionment

The first sign that the infatuation phase is wearing off is a sense of disillusionment. Reality sets in and you start to notice flaws in your partner. Some of the same traits that you found so attractive at first start to show their downside. For example, someone who seemed confident and decisive at first might now seem rude and close-minded.

Additionally, as the high wears off, you both start to show your true personalities and aren't as forgiving and unselfish as you were when your partner seemed like they could do no wrong. While at first, you may have gone out of your way to accommodate the other person, you may start to feel like your own needs aren't being met .

As idealization fades, you may find yourself feeling resentful that your partner is no longer causing that wonderfully infatuated feeling anymore. In some cases, serious problems, like addiction  or abusive tendencies, can reveal themselves, and potentially be dealbreakers.

The relationship now faces a turning point. Getting through this phase requires the ability to compromise, to speak up about your needs and wants, and to learn how to resolve conflict productively. Rather than trying to change your partner, your focus should be on learning to respect each other. You will discover if, ultimately, you both have the desire to make the relationship work.

Being able to manage the inevitable bumps in the road is a good indicator that the relationship can evolve into something more long-lasting and stable. 

Committing to a person who inspires romantic feelings, and communicating your dreams, desires, and thoughts to one another, can lead to true intimacy and attachment, the next stage of love.

Mature Love

Just because the passion doesn't stay red-hot and unrelenting doesn't mean that love doesn't continue. Mature love (or consummate love, in Sternberg's theory) is the kind of devotion found in long-term relationships and successful marriages. In mature love, two people are together because they want to be together and not just because they feel an irrational desire or need to be with one another.

Signs of mature love include acceptance, emotional support, commitment, calmness, respect, caring, kindness, friendship, and consideration. Cementing this phase is oxytocin , sometimes called "the cuddle hormone," because it compels you and your partner to get close and to bond.

Scientific research suggests that the brain activity of couples in mature relationships is very similar to the brain activity of those newly in love. Just because you're not pining for the person doesn't mean it's not true love; in fact, mature love is usually deeper and more meaningful (not to mention much more sustainable) than its younger counterpart.

Romantic Love and Sexual Desire

For most couples, sexual desire is an important part of a romantic relationship. Although it is of course possible to have sexual attraction without an emotional bond, and vice versa, romantic love usually includes both. And since the brain responds in similar ways to both, researchers speculate that they reinforce each other.

Evolutionary psychologists suggest that when sexual desire is paired with love, it creates a stronger bond. This keeps couples together, which benefits their children.

A Word From Verywell

Romantic love may mean different things to different people. What's most important is that you and your partner are on the same page. Shared intimacy and passion can often lead to a strong, shared commitment to another person and to a lasting relationship.

Sternberg RJ.  A triangular theory of love .  Psychol Rev . 1986;93(2):119-135. doi:10.1037/0033-295x.93.2.119

De Boer A, van Buel EM, Ter Horst GJ. Love is more than just a kiss: a neurobiological perspective on love and affection . Neurosci . 2012;201:114-24. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.11.017

Schneiderman I, Zagoory-Sharon O, Leckman JF, Feldman R. Oxytocin during the initial stages of romantic attachment: Relations to couples’ interactive reciprocity . Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2012;37(8):1277-1285. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.12.021

Cacioppo S, Bianchi‐Demicheli F, Frum C, Pfaus JG, Lewis JW. The common neural bases between sexual desire and love: A multilevel kernel density fMRI analysis . J Sex Med. 2012;9(4):1048-1054. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02651.x

Birnbaum GE, Reis HT. Evolved to be connected: The dynamics of attachment and sex over the course of romantic relationships . Curr Opin Psychol. 2019;25:11-15. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.02.005

Bode A, Kushnick G. Proximate and ultimate perspectives on romantic love . Front Psychol . 2021;12:573123. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.573123

Gottman J. The 3 phases of love . The Gottman Institute.

By Sheri Stritof Sheri Stritof has written about marriage and relationships for 20+ years. She's the co-author of The Everything Great Marriage Book. 

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Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

• composition

attempt , try , endeavor , essay , strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end.

attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

Examples of essay in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle French essai , ultimately from Late Latin exagium act of weighing, from Latin ex- + agere to drive — more at agent

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essay. Accessed 6 Nov. 2023.

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Kids definition of essay.

Kids Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

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Meaning of relationship in English

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relationship noun [C] ( CONNECTION )

• Her relationship isn't good with her father , but she's very close to her mother .
• Lack of trust is very destructive in a relationship.
• The relationship was never going to work , but it was fun while it lasted .
• What do you look for in a relationship?
• She knew he fancied her, but preferred to keep their relationship platonic .
• appertain to something
• incestuously
• interconnect
• interconnected
• interconnectedness
• interconnection
• relatability
• relate to someone/something

relationship noun [C] ( FRIENDSHIP )

• affiliative
• interpersonal
• interpersonally
• platonically
• re-establish
• social life
• well connected

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

relationship noun [C] ( FAMILY CONNECTION )

• anti-family
• biologically
• first cousin
• kith and kin
• relationally
• second cousin

relationship | American Dictionary

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your marbles

your mental health or your ability to think and remember clearly

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What is love?

Associate professor in Social Psychology / Relationship Science, Deakin University

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Gery Karantzas receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is the founder of relationshipscienceonline.com

Deakin University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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From songs and poems to novels and movies, romantic love is one of the most enduring subjects for artworks through the ages. But what about the science?

Historical, cultural and even evolutionary evidence suggests love existed during ancient times and across many parts of the world. Romantic love has been found to exist in 147 of 166 cultures looked at in one study.

The complexity of love has much to do with how people experience it differently and how it can change over time.

Read more: Friday essay: finding spaces for love

Like, love, or ‘in love’?

Psychological research over the past 50 years has investigated the differences between liking someone, loving someone and being “in love”.

Liking is described as having positive thoughts and feelings towards someone and finding that person’s company rewarding. We often also experience warmth and closeness towards the people we like. In some instances we choose to be emotionally intimate with these people.

When we love someone we experience the same positive thoughts and experiences as when we like a person. But we also experience a deep sense of care and commitment towards that person.

Being “ in love ” includes all the above but also involves feelings of sexual arousal and attraction. However, research into people’s own views of love suggests that not all love is the same.

Passionate vs companionate love

Romantic love consists of two types: passionate and companionate love. Most romantic relationships, whether they be heterosexual or same sex , involve both these parts.

Passionate love is what people typically consider being “in love”. It includes feelings of passion and an intense longing for someone, to the point they might obsessively think about wanting to be in their arms.

The second part is known as companionate love . It’s not felt as intensely, but it’s complex and connects feelings of emotional intimacy and commitment with a deep attachment toward the romantic partner.

How does love change over time?

Research looking at changes in romantic love over time typically finds that although passionate love starts high, it declines over the course of a relationship.

There are various reasons for this.

As partners learn more about each other and become more confident in the long-term future of the relationship, routines develop. The opportunities to experience novelty and excitement can also decline, as can the frequency of sexual activity . This can cause passionate love to subside.

Although a reduction in passionate love is not experienced by all couples, various studies report approximately 20-40% of couples experience this downturn. Of couples who have been married in excess of ten years, the steepest downturn is most likely to occur over the second decade .

Life events and transitions can also make it challenging to experience passion. People have competing responsibilities which affect their energy and limit the opportunities to foster passion. Parenthood is an example of this.

Read more: Love by design: when science meets sex, lust, attraction and attachment

In contrast, companionate love is typically found to increase over time.

Although research finds most romantic relationships consist of both passionate and companionate love, it’s the absence or reductions in companionate love, moreso than passionate love, that can negatively affect the longevity of a romantic relationship.

But what’s the point of love?

Love is an emotion that keeps people bonded and committed to one another. From an evolutionary psychology perspective, love evolved to keep the parents of children together long enough for them to survive and reach sexual maturity .

Read more: What is this thing called love?

The period of childhood is much longer for humans than other species. As offspring rely on adults for many years to survive and to develop the skills and abilities needed for successful living, love is especially important for humans.

Without love, it’s difficult to see how the human species could have evolved .

A biological foundation too

Not only is there an evolutionary foundation to love, love is rooted in biology. Neurophysiological studies into romantic love show that people who are in the throes of passionate love experience increased activation in brain regions associated with reward and pleasure.

Read more: Love lockdown: the pandemic has put pressure on many relationships, but here's how to tell if yours will survive

In fact, the brain regions activated are the same as those activated by cocaine.

These regions release chemicals such as oxytocin, vasopressin and dopamine, which produce feelings of happiness and euphoria that are also linked to sexual arousal and excitement.

Interestingly, these brain regions are not activated when thinking about non-romantic relationships such as friends. These findings tell us that liking someone is not the same as being in love with someone.

What’s your love style?

Research has found three primary styles of love. First coined by psychologist John Lee , the love styles are eros, ludus and storge. These styles include people’s beliefs and attitudes about love and act as a guide for how to approach romantic relationships.

This style of love refers to erotic love and is focused on physical attraction and engaging in sex, the quick development of strong and passionate feelings for another and intense intimacy.

This style involves being emotionally distant and often involves “game-playing”. It’s not surprising people who endorse this love style are unlikely to commit, feel comfortable ending relationships and often start a new relationship before ending the current one.

Storge is often regarded as a more mature form of love. Priority is given to having a relationship with a person who has similar interests, affection is openly expressed and there is less emphasis on physical attractiveness. People high on storge love are trusting of others and are not needy or dependent on others.

Or is a mixture more your style?

You may see yourself in more than one of these styles.

Evidence suggests some people possess a mixture of the three main love styles; these mixtures were labelled by Lee as mania, pragma and agape.

Read more: Darling, I love you ... from the bottom of my brain

Manic love includes intense feelings for a partner as well as worry about committing to the relationship. Pragmatic love involves making sensible relationship choices in finding a partner who will make a good companion and friend. Agape is a self-sacrificing love that is driven by a sense of duty and selflessness.

Why do you love the way you do?

A person’s love style has little to do with their genetics . Rather, it’s associated with the development of personality and a person’s past relationship experiences.

Some studies have found people who are high on dark traits, such as narcissism, psychopathy and machiavellianism, endorse more of a ludus or pragma love style.

Read more: There are six styles of love. Which one best describes you?

People who have an insecure attachment style , involving a high need for validation and preoccupation with relationship partners, endorse more mania love, while those who are uncomfortable with intimacy and closeness do not endorse eros love.

No matter the differences in the way love is experienced, one thing remains common for all: we as humans are social animals who have a deep fascination for it.

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Essay on Relationship

The term “relationship” refers to a close bond between two people.

Humans cannot live alone they need someone to share their feelings, enjoy the moments, or live happily. But we cannot do these things with strangers. We need someone whom we can trust and also win their trust. For this reason, we need healthy relationships in our life. From birth to death, humans are tied to several relationships. So, today we will discuss about “relationship” in detail.

Short and Long Relationship Essays in English

Here, I’m presenting short and long essays on Relationship in different word limits of 100 words, 250 words and 500-600 words. This topic is useful for students of all the classes to write creative essays and paragraphs. However, this topic is of immense importance for every individual to know the significance of a healthy relationship in life.

Relationship Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) Relationshipis a bond of love and connection between two people.

2) Life is incomplete without relationships.

3) Respect is necessary in every relationship.

4) A healthy relationship makes life happier.

5) Family, friendship, romantic, and acquaintances are the four main relationships.

6) Relationship reduces stress and loneliness.

7) Relationship takes time to form.

8) Proper communication is required to maintain any relationship.

9) Without a relationship, life will become dull and boring.

10) Researches show that a good relationship helps to live longer.

Short Essay on Relationship (200-250 Words)

A relationship is a bond between two people based on mutual like, understanding, need, or love. It can be family relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, or acquaintances. The strongest relationship in which we are tied since birth is family. Friendship is another beautiful relationship that fills our life with joy. A romantic relationship mainly exists between a husband and wife. Acquaintances refer to the people who are not our relatives but we meet them often. This type of relationship can later turn into friendship.

In every sphere of life, relationships have a crucial role to play. Having a relationship is one of the most beautiful things that one could ever experience in life. Maintaining strong relationships in your life have an enormous number of benefits in the long run. However, it requires efforts to maintain a good relationship. Respect and trust are very important in every relationship. A healthy relationship generates a positive environment. It also affects our mental state. However, a bad relationship can even ruin our life. Therefore, it is necessary to play your part in a relationship with honesty.

In earlier times, relationships were very precious for people. But today, people are turning selfish and greedy. They make relationships mainly for profit. This is the major reason that people are not happy and it seems very difficult to maintain the existing relationship.

Long Essay on Relationship (500-600 Words)

Introduction

Relationships are defined as the feeling of love between two people and the connection that exists between them. The best feeling in the world is to love and to be loved by someone you care about. A relationship can be with parents, friends, or others. Each type of relationship plays an essential role in our life.

Types of Relationship

The four types of relationships are as follows:

Family: A family relationship is the first step towards interacting with others. Among all forms of human relationships, it is the strongest. In difficult times, they can provide support and a sense of belonging. Family relationships play a vital role in socialization.

Friendship: Our friends are the second family whom we trust, respect, keep in touch with, and love. They are the important relationship that we make our own. Friendship is necessary to share emotions and feelings.

Romantic: It is a relation to which we attach ourselves with a great deal of commitment. Among all relationships, it is the closest and most essential. Usually, this type of relationship is seen between husbands and wives.

Acquaintances: Regularly, we come across people who aren’t our friends or relatives. The person can be a neighbor or coworker, but we show respect and politeness. Such type of relationships can develop into friendship if treated with respect and care.

Importance of Relationships in Life

A relationship is an important part of our life. It is relationships that allow us to stay connected to each other. Humans depend on it for survival and it contributes greatly to their happiness and well-being. In a relationship, emotions, attachments, love, and sincerity are present. With relationships, we can grow up well, increase our awareness, improve our talents, and do many other things necessary to lead a happy and healthy life.

Without a relationship, you won’t be able to share your thoughts and obtain respect from others. When people have relationships with one another, they are able to discover who a person is at the core. In addition to bringing us a lot of joy, they are also a source of lots of laughs. However, a healthy relationship is crucial for a positive working environment, as it leads to mental peace as well as a more energetic attitude at work.

Benefits of a Healthy Relationship

Some benefits of a healthy relationship are mentioned below:

Less stress: Relationships help us to live a stress-free life. A relationship develops good understanding and sharing capability, thus reducing the chances of stress and depression.

Support: Having a relationship gives us people with whom we can share our lives and who can support us in time of need. It gives a support system that encourages us to do our best every time.

Happy life: Relationships play a very important role in the quality of life, without which life would be dull. A happy relationship in life can influence your health in a positive way. It saves you from boredom and makes life more joyful.

Relationships are a vital part of our lives and we cannot live without them. Relationships are a part of us from the moment we are born to the day we die. However, you can’t build a relationship in a day. A constant focus and attention are needed for them to succeed. A healthy relationship gives you joy while an unhealthy one can leave you exhausted. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a good and healthy relationship.

I hope the above given essay on Relationship will be helpful in understanding the importance as well as different aspects of Relationship in life.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions on Relationship on Relationship

Ans. Communication, respect, trust, and love are the most important things in a relationship.

Ans. Friendship is considered the best relationship in the world.

Ans. Irresponsibility, immaturity, insecurity, etc are some dangers to a healthy relationship.

Ans. The word “relationship” first appeared in 1744, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary.

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What Does a Healthy Relationship Look Like?

Knowing this may not always come naturally, so here are 13 signs to look for..

Posted December 28, 2018 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

Much of my professional career has involved speaking, writing, and interpreting research about how to handle relationships that have gone wrong: partnerships that are controlling or toxic , for instance, or where trust has been broken . I'm often asked how to handle infidelity, betrayal, or emotional upheaval within a relationship — and it can be heartbreaking how widespread those issues tend to be.

But just as important is learning to identify when a relationship is going well. Many people are unsure of what to look for, or worse yet, they don't know all the positives that they truly deserve to have within a relationship. If someone grew up watching their parents or other family members act out chronically toxic patterns, then that person may very well come to define those patterns as "normal" and have difficulty understanding the baseline of what a good relationship looks like.

With that in mind, here is a place to start. Healthy, functional relationships have these characteristics — which apply especially to committed romantic relationships . They shouldn't be optional. And when they are missing, it's important to address the problem.

Trust is arguably among the most important relationship characteristics. Without trust, there is the lack of a solid foundation on which to build emotional intimacy, and your potential for hurt — over and over again — grows ever bigger. Without trust, you will be left constantly unsure of whether you can count on your partner to come through for you, and whether or not they really mean what they are saying. There are many ways to build and rebuild trust within a relationship, but if you are not on the path to doing so, your relationship is quite vulnerable to stress and uncertainty.

2. Communication

Communicating honestly and respectfully, especially about things that are difficult, is something that does not come automatically to everyone. We may have learned to keep uncomfortable things under the surface for the sake of harmony or the appearance of perfection, or we also may have never even learned how to acknowledge difficult feelings to ourselves. Other challenges involve escalating a conflict into a full-out war: lacking the ability to not take things over-personally or lashing out when we feel threatened. It's okay if you have these tendencies; what's important is that you work on them, as strong and healthy communication is the lifeblood that nourishes good relationships.

3. Patience

No one can be perfectly patient all the time, and factors like lack of sleep, stress, or physical health problems will make you more easily agitated at various points in your life — that's part of being human. But partners in a healthy, loving relationship extend each other a basic common denominator of patience that allows for peace, flexibility, and support when one person is having a bad day or is not at their best. When partners are chronically impatient with each other, they often create a dynamic of bean-counting and resentment, where they are mentally racking up the "offenses" that the other partner has committed. Being able to adjust to the ebbs and flows of a partner's moods in day-to-day life — within reason — can instead allow a feeling of being unconditionally loved.

Being willing to take another person's perspective is helpful in so many cases — whether in parenting , being a good neighbor, or even just letting someone merge in front of you on the highway. But it is arguably most important with the person you've chosen as a partner. Can you truly put forth the effort to try to understand their perspective, even when you disagree with it? Does their pain spur you to try to help them feel better? Do you feel happy about their triumphs? Empathy is crucial for long-term love.

5. Affection and Interest

It likely goes without saying that love should be a part of any healthy, committed romantic relationship — in fact, I didn't bother to put that on the main list. But more subtle than love is the expression of that love in the form of affection and also a genuine interest — a liking of each other. Small physical gestures of affection, like hugs, kisses, and comforting touch, can go a long way to keeping each person feeling comforted and secure within their relationship. There is no one "right" amount of physical affection within a relationship — as long as both partners feel comfortable with how their needs match up. The same is true of physical intimacy. As for the "like" factor, this goes further than love — it means that you are truly interested in each other and fond of each other, and that you are together out of attraction (even if no longer the physical infatuation of the early days) rather than obligation.

6. Flexibility

You've heard it before — relationships take compromise. And while some things don't allow for a perfect scenario on that front (you can't decide to have half a child, for instance), the key component that makes for good compromise is important no matter what: flexibility. It's important that both partners show flexibility in day-to-day life and decision-making , because if it is just one partner always doing the bending, that imbalance can grow toxic over time. In healthy relationships, both partners are willing to adjust as needed to the changes and growth — positive and negative — that may come about during a long-term relationship. And they are able to evaluate on a joint level, especially during conflicts, what matters most to each person within the relationship, and how that should be prioritized. Two partners who are never willing to bend to meet the other will be on separate paths altogether before long — a far cry from truly sharing a life together.

7. Appreciation

The research about the importance of gratitude within relationships is striking; it makes us feel happier and more secure with our partners. And the more that we feel that gratitude , the more we feel appreciated for who we are within relationships, which also improves the relationship's well-being. Even small expressions of gratitude and appreciation can help improve relationship satisfaction. So the next time you think it doesn't matter whether you say "thank you" for something your partner did, think again. And perhaps consider the negative feelings all of us tend to have when we notice a lack of appreciation over time.

8. Room for Growth

Relationships grow stale not just because a certain amount of time has elapsed, but because people feel stuck and unable to progress, either as individuals or as a couple. It is unrealistic — and downright unhealthy — to expect that two people will remain the exact same across months, years, and decades of a relationship. Hopes, fears, goals , and interests constantly evolve, and that is a very good thing. A relationship doesn't have to end or even suffer because of this, as long as both people allow each other the space to grow, by not pigeonholing each other into their younger selves, by trying to take an interest in learning what's important to the other person, and by not setting expectations that are inflexible.

We often associate the concept of respect with people or concepts that are not intimate with each other: respecting one's elders, respecting symbols of religious faith, or respecting authority. But respect is every bit as important within a close partnership, if not more so. In healthy relationships, people talk to each other in ways that don't debase, invalidate, or belittle. They value each other's time and opinions like they value their own. They protect each other's privacy and don't use each other as the butt of jokes or as hired help to constantly clean up the apartment or make a thankless dinner. When respect begins to erode within a relationship, it is a long and painstaking road to build it back — the damage is far easier to do than undo.

10. Reciprocity

In healthy partnerships, the tallying that early relationships show ("He picked me up at the airport last week, so I owe him a favor") fades into the background as a new, trusting equilibrium takes its place — you both just generally do for each other when needed. In an ideal situation, the give-and-take roughly works out to equal over time, and neither partner feels resentful. Of course, in many relationships, the give-and-take won't ever become equal (e.g., one partner needs long-term medical care, is naturally a more happily nurturing person, or struggles with a psychological disorder). And that can be okay, as long as both partners feel comfortable overall with the level of give-and-take as it exists, and they each find a way to give something to the relationship and their partners — especially in the form of emotional support — when they can.

11. Healthy Conflict Resolution

Much research has pointed to the fact that the way a couple argues — or doesn't — can predict a lot about their relationship's success. We tend to have rose-colored glasses about romance in American culture. We are willing to entertain conflict in the beginning (the boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, then boy-gets-girl-back-and-lives-happily-ever-after trope common in so many popular films, for instance), but once a couple rides off into the sunset together, we expect that things should be a-okay from then on out. Ironically, couples that hide their upset with one another in order to preserve the illusion of everything being perfect are probably far worse off than the couples that express their emotions and work to resolve them as they come up, even when it causes conflict. In short, healthy relationships refrain from stonewalling and escalating into personal attacks when there is a difference of opinion or a problem. They are able to talk it through with respect, empathy, and understanding.

12. Individuality and Boundaries

Two people who were exactly the same would probably not have much to talk about after a while; after all, they'd already know what the other's perspective would be, so why bother to listen to it? Of course, two people who are so different that they don't share each other's values or daily styles of living are bound to have too little in common to maintain an interest in each other (at best), or be downright incompatible, disliking each other from the start (at worst). The sweet spot is a relationship where the similarities create a foundation to connect with each other, but individual differences are still respected and valued. Moreover, it's important that each partner is given the freedom to still live their own life, especially in terms of friendships, professional goals, and hobbies. A strong, healthy relationship brings to mind a Venn diagram — there is adequate overlap to keep the connection strong, but each person has aspects of their lives that are theirs alone, and that boundary is respected by both parties.

13. Openness and Honesty

Different partners have different levels of openness within their relationships — some might be horrified at leaving the bathroom door open, for instance, whereas others will discuss the most intimate of physical details with each other without giving it a second thought. So too is the case with openness about hopes, dreams , and even the details of one's workday. But no matter where you fall on the spectrum of letting it all hang out, it's important that there is a solid match — and that honesty underlies whatever disclosures you do make. Partners who mask their true selves, hide their emotional realities or actively deceive their partners about their habits and behaviors are jeopardizing the fundamental foundation of trust that every relationship needs.

Are there other characteristics that are important in your relationship? Let me know in the comments!

Andrea Bonior, Ph.D. , is a clinical psychologist and speaker on the faculty of Georgetown University. She is the author of Detox Your Thoughts: Quit Negative Self-Talk for Good and Discover the Life You've Always Wanted.

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Essay on Relationship for Students in English | 500 Words Essay

December 20, 2020 by Karan

Essay on Relationship: Humans are social animals; they love to connect and interact with people because we are all interdependent on each other. In the process, we tend to build beautiful, and long-lasting bonds called relationships. We forge relationships with our family members, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, neighbours and even animals. We have to nurture ties in a relationship with love, care, self-respect and mutual understanding. Transformation and change are also part of beautiful relationships.

Essay on Relationship 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Relationship Essay in English, suitable for class 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

A relationship is a state of being connected. It is also referred to as a close connection between two people. The concept of a relationship is broad, interconnected and varies from person to person. It is the outcome of emotional bonds and interactions. Mutual experiences, love and affection strengthen these strong ties. There are various types of relationships like family, friendship, acquaintanceship and romantic relationships.

Family relationships: Family plays a vital role in developing strong bonds and instilling values. It is our foundation for future endeavours and successful connections. As a member of the family, we are associated with blood through the relationship with parents, brother and sister and non-blood such as aunts or uncles. We grow up together with siblings and other relatives and eventually form a healthy bond. It is in the family that children learn to be compassionate and considerate towards each other and then follow the legacy ahead. Guidance, support, boundaries and disciple are all necessary elements that should run in the family.

Friendship: Friends are again considered as second family whom we trust, respect, care, and love. A good company is based upon loyalty, honesty and support. How strong your friendship is depending upon how close you are to the person. Out of many, only a few of them are considered as best friends and confided to share personal problems and happiness. We can choose our friends and create a comfortable space with them. The quality should matter over quantity.

Romantic relationship: It is a relationship that we attach ourselves firmly. It exists between the husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, boyfriend and boyfriend and girlfriend and girlfriend. They marry or stay in a live-in relationship together. It is the closest and essential relationship of all. The people develop profound connection and bond that they do not feel with any other person. Such relationships are built on respect, love, support, acceptance, consideration and shared interests. Here, the compatibility, attitude and thinking guide the relationship ahead to become successful.

Acquaintances: These are the people we encounter regularly but are not our relatives or friends. It can be a neighbour or a work colleague, but it is necessary to show respect and politeness. Greeting them with a smile is the most crucial action to show that the world is kind. Moreover, such relationships later evolve into friendships or even marriage.

The relationships mentioned above mould our personal life. However, the success of these relationships depends upon what we as individuals are prepared to invest in them. The core ingredient required for any relationship to sustain is the amount of trust and willingness we show to each other. It is imperative to communicate effectively, apologise and accept mistakes, take responsibility, maintain humility and give each additional space and time.

We face challenges like breakups, loss of a job, infidelity and fluctuations in financial status, which affects our bond and impacts the relationship. Therefore, in such hard times, it is essential we hold on to each other patiently and lovingly. When a relationship is working fine, and everything is merry, we tend to become complacent ignoring or stop attending to other person’s needs and expectations. Due to this, misunderstandings develop further making it worse.

Therefore, it is necessary to check up on each other regularly by engaging in meaningful conversations and to bring changes if required. Moreover, instead of pointing out at others, we need to self-analyze and be aware of our actions. We need to ask questions such as, Am I communicating openly? Have I hurt anyone through my words? Am I expecting too much, or do I assume my responsibility appropriately? In doing so, we need to acknowledge others for their hard work and time.

Developing a positive attitude is the key to strengthen the connection. There should be a frequent display of appreciation and usage of kind words. Furthermore, listening is the utmost important communication skill of all. Understanding another person’s situation is essential to solve problems and avoid conflicts. Since arguments are inevitable in any relationship, it is mandatory to demonstrate modesty and forgiveness instead of taking a stance of I win, you lose. Lastly, all relationships go through hell; only real ones get through it and emerge victoriously.

Short Essay on Relationship 250 Words in English

Relationship Essay, suitable for classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Humans interact with each other every day. Through such interaction and communication, relationships are formed. The quality of any relationship depends upon the following three essential traits such as reliability, trust and healthy conversation. If these traits are fulfilled then only the bond sustains for a more extended time. Moreover, having a relationship is crucial to our mental status, which ensures a healthy mind and a happy family.

Every person seeks a perfect relationship but lacks the mechanics to achieve one. In such conditions, we fail to develop a supportive relationship. It is necessary to provide emotional and psychological support, love and affection to one another so that it gives meaning to life.

To have a good and successful relationship, people need to be patient, peaceful and motivate each other. As a member, everybody should strive hard to maintain a healthy relationship with each other. The children should be imbibed with the values concerning the relationships. To do so, one must convey ideas, thoughts, feelings and expectations among the people. Any obstacle or difficulty must be dealt with a successful contribution.

Furthermore, each member should understand their role in a particular relationship and play their part accordingly. A relationship can be with your family, friends, colleague, husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend. Therefore, knowing our position and its accountability enhances the essence of any relationship. An individual realizes his/her worth and identity when they have a significant connection to each other.

According to the researchers, people need each other to live long. As man is a social animal, he needs to surround himself with associations and robust connections. If not so, then humans undergo depression and start feeling lonely. They neglect their purpose and enter into a self-damaging mindset. Hence, to heal from problems to share happiness, we require positive and supportive people who will guide and encourage us.

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Essay on Friendship

List of essays on friendship, essay on friendship – short essay for kids (essay 1 – 150 words), essay on friendship – 10 lines on friendship written in english (essay 2 – 250 words), essay on friendship – for school students (class 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) (essay 3 – 300 words), essay on friendship – for students (essay 4 – 400 words), essay on friendship (essay 5 – 500 words), essay on friendship – introduction, benefits and qualities (essay 6 – 600 words), essay on friendship – essay on true friendship (essay 7 – 750 words), essay on friendship – importance, types, examples and conclusion (essay 8 – 1000 words).

Friendship is a divine relationship, which is defined by neither blood nor any other similarity. Who is in this world does not have a friend?

A friend, with whom you just love to spend your time, can share your joys and sorrows. Most importantly you need not fake yourself and just be what you are. That is what friendship is all about. It is one of the most beautiful of the relations in the world. Students of today need to understand the values of friendship and therefore we have composed different long essays for students as well as short essays.

Audience: The below given essays are exclusively written for school students (Class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Standard).

Introduction:

Friendship is considered as one of the treasures that anyone can possess. God has given us the liberty to choose friends because they are for our lifetime. It is quite normal for our parents and siblings to love us because they are our own blood but a friend is someone who is initially a stranger and then takes his/her place above all the other relations. Friendship is nothing but pure love without any expectations.

Role of a Friend:

True friends share and support each other even during the toughest of times. A true friend is one who feels happy for our success, who feel sad for our failures, fight with us for silly things and hugs us the next second, gets angry on us when we do any mistakes. Friendship is all about having true friends who can understand us without the need for us to speak.

Conclusion:

Friendship is very essential for a happy life. Even a two-minute chat with a friend will make us forget our worries. That is the strength of friendship.

Friendship is a divine relationship, which is defined by neither blood nor any other similarity. Friends are those you can choose for yourself in spite of the difference you both have from each other. A good friend in need will do wonders in your life, whenever you are in need of self-realization, upbringing your confidence and more.

Friendship serves you best not only in your happiest moments but also when you feel low in emotions. A life without a good friend is not at all complete and an emptiness will be felt all the time you think of sharing your emotion that can’t be told to anyone else.

Honesty and Patience in Friendship:

To maintain and keep going with a good deep friendship, honesty is the most important factor. You should choose a person who can be cent percent honest with you in all perspective like emotions, decision making, etc. Trustworthy friendship will help you to take better decisions and choose a better path for your future well-being.

Tolerance and patience with each other are another important characteristics of long-lasting friendship. Accepting the differences, friends should be able to be with each other in all situations. As a friend, the person should lead the other to success by being a motivation and criticize the person if they choose the wrong path.

Friendship will give you sweet and happy memories that can be cherished for a lifetime and if you succeed in maintaining that precious relation, then you are the luckiest person in this world. Love and care for each other will cherish the relationship and helps the person to appreciate each thing done without any fail.

Of all the different relations which we indulge in, friendship is considered to be the purest of them all. Friendship is the true confluence of souls with like minded attitude that aids in seamless conversation and the best of times. It is believed that a person who doesn’t have any friend lives one of the toughest lives.

The Desire to Belong:

Each one of us have been so programmed that we need a companion even if it’s not romantic, someone just to tag along. There are several definitions of friendship and it is upon you as to how you believe your relation to be. Friendship can happen when you are simply sharing a bowl of food with a person day after day. It can be expressed in the way you silently care for someone even when they may not be aware of your existence.

The Little Moments that Matter:

It is giving up the little things you love dearly for the sake of someone you cherish a great deal. Friendship often refers to the little moments of senseless laugh you two share when the rest of the world starts to look bleak. It is to know what your friend needs and being there for them even when the rest of the world has turned their back towards them.

Friendship is the kind of relation which sometimes even exceeds the realms of love because it is all about giving without even once bothering to sense what you shall get back. Every time spent is special because when you are with friends, you don’t feel the blues!

The Bottom-Line:

Of course the definition of friendship is going to vary a great deal from one person to another. But, remember one thing, when you are friends with someone, be prepared to put your heart on the line for their happiness because friendship often manifests into love, even if it is not romantic, it always is true!

Friendship is the most valuable as well as precious gifts of life. Friendship is one of the most valued relationship. People who have good friends enjoy the most in their live. True friendship is based on loyalty & support. A good friend is a person who will stand with you when times are tough. A friend is someone special on whom you can rely on to celebrate a special moment. Friendship is like a life asset and it can lead us to success. It all depends on our choice how we choose our friends.

The quality of friendship is essential for happiness. The benefits of healthy friendship remains long-life. In addition, having a strong friend circle also improves our self-confidence. Due to the strong relationship, we get much emotional support during our bad times. True friendship is a feeling of love & care.

Real friendship cannot be built within limited boundaries like caste or creed. It gives us a feeling that someone really needs us & we are not alone. This is true that man cannot live alone. True friends are needed in every stage of life to survive. A true friend can be an old person or a child. But it is generally believed that we make friend with people who are of the same age as ours. Same age group can give you the freedom to share anything.

The selection of a true friend is also a challenging task. We have to carefully make our friend selection. Friends might come & go. They will make you laugh & cry. Wrong selection can create various problems for you. In the modern world, many youngsters become a social nuisance. The reason behind it is wrong & bad friendships.

But if we successfully choose the right person as a friend then our life becomes easier. It doesn’t matter who you are, what type of clothes you wear. The most important thing is trust because the relation of friendship stands on the pillars of trust.

Friendship is a relation which can make or break us in every stage of life. But in other words, friendship is an asset which is really precious. Obviously, it is also not so easy to maintain friendships. It demands your time as well as efforts. Last but not the least, it is hard to find true friendship but once you succeed in this task you will have a wonderful time. In exchange for that a friend will only need your valuable time and trust.

The idea of friendship is either heartwarming or gives cold feet depending on individuals and the types of friendships. In the current world, friendships have had different definitions based on the morality and civilization of the society. Ideally, friendship is defined as the state of mutual trust between individuals or parties. Trust is an important component of friendship because it determines the reliability and longevity of the friendship. Trust is built through honest communications between the individuals and interested parties.

Once trust has been established, mutual understanding and support being to form the resulting in a friendship. This friendship can be broken through lack of trust. Trust can be breached through deceit and/ or some people, it differs with the frequencies. There are people who will break friendships after only one episode of dishonesty whereas some people give second chances and even more chances. Friendship types determine the longevity and the causes of breakups. The importance of friendship in the lives of individuals is the reason why friendships are formed in the first place.

Types of Friendships:

According to Aristotle’s Nichomachean ethics, there are three types of friendships. The friendships are based on three factors i.e. utility, pleasure and goodness. The first type of friendship is based on utility and has been described as a friendship whereby both parties gain from each other.

This type of friendship is dependent on the benefits and that is what keeps the friendship going. This type of friendships do not last long because it dissolves as soon as the benefits are outsourced or when other sources are found outside the friendship. The friendship was invented for trade purposes because when two people with opposite things that depend on each other re put together, trade is maximized.

The second type of friendship is based on pleasure. This is described as friendship in which two individuals are drawn to each other based on desires of pleasure and is characterized by passionate feelings and feelings of belonging. This type of friendship can ether last long or is short-lived depending on the presence of the attraction between the two parties.

The third type of friendship is based on goodness. In this friendship, the goodness of people draw them to each other and they usually have the same virtues. The friendship involves loving each other and expecting goodness. It takes long to develop this kind of friendship but it usually lasts longest and is actually the best kind of friendship to be in. the importance of such a friendship is the social support and love.

In conclusion, friendships are important in the lives of individuals. Trust builds and sustains friendships. The different types of friendships are important because they provide benefits and social support. Friendships provide a feeling of belonging and dependence. The durability of friendships is dependent on the basis of its formation and the intention during the formation. Friendships that last long are not based on materialistic gain, instead, they are based on pure emotion.

Friendship is an emotion of care, mutual trust, and fondness among two persons. A friend might be a work-mate, buddy, fellow student or any individual with whom we feel an attachment.

In friendship, people have a mutual exchange of sentiments and faith too. Usually, the friendship nurtures more amongst those people who belong to a similar age as they possess the same passions, interests, sentiments, and opinions. During the school days, kids who belong to the similar age group have a common dream about their future and this makes them all of them get closer in friendship.

In the same way, employees working in business organizations also make friends as they are working together for attaining the organizational objectives. It does not matter that to which age group you belong, friendship can happen at any time of your life.

Benefits of Friendship:

Sometimes friendship is essential in our life. Below are a few benefits of friendship.

1. It’s impossible to live your life alone always but friendship fills that gap quickly with the friend’s company.

2. You can easily pass the rigidities of life with the friendship as in your distress period your friends are always there to help you.

3. Friendship teaches you how to remain happy in life.

4. In case of any confusion or problem, your friendship will always benefit you with good opinions.

True and Dishonest Friendship:

True friendship is very rare in today’s times. There are so many persons who support only those people who are in power so that they can fulfil their selfish motives below the name of friendship. They stay with friends till the time their selfish requirements are achieved. Dishonest friends leave people as soon as their power gets vanished. You can find these types of self-seeking friends all around the world who are quite hurtful than enemies.

Finding a true friendship is very difficult. A true friend helps the other friend who is in need. It does not matter to him that his friend is right or wrong but he will always support his friend at the time of his difficulty.

Carefulness in the Selection of Friendship:

You must be very careful while choosing friends. You should nurture your friendship with that person who does not leave you in your bad times easily. Once you get emotionally attached to the wrong person you cannot finish your friendship so soon. True friendship continues till the time of your last breaths and does not change with the passing time.

Friendship with a bad person also affects your own thoughts and habits. Therefore, a bad person should not be chosen in any type of circumstances. We must do friendship with full attention and carefulness.

Best Qualities of Good Friendship:

Good friendship provides people an enormous love to each other.

The below are the important qualities of good friendship:

1. Good friendship is always faithful, honest, and truthful.

2. People pay attention and take note of others thoughts in good friendship.

3. Persons quickly forget and let off the mistakes of the other friend. In fact, they accept their friend in the way they are actually.

4. You are not judged on the basis of your success, money or power in it.

5. Friends do not feel shy to provide us with valuable opinions for our welfare.

6. People always share their joyful times with their good friends and also stay ready to help their friends in the time of need.

7. True friends also support others in their professional as well as personal life. They encourage their friends in the area of their interest.

Friendship is established over the sacrifice, love, faith, and concern of mutual benefit. True Friendship is a support and a blessing for everybody. All those males and females who have true and genuine friends are very lucky really.

Friendship can simply be defined as a form of mutual relationship or understanding between two people or more who interact and are attached to one another in a manner that is friendly. A friendship is a serious relationship of devotion between two or more people where people involved have a true and sincere feeling of affection, care and love towards each other devoid of any misunderstanding and without demands.

Primarily friendship happens between people that have the same sentiments, feelings and tastes. It is believed that there is no limit or criteria for friendship. All of the different creed, religion, caste, position, sex and age do not matter when it comes to friendship even though friendships can sometimes be damaged by economic disparity and other forms of differentiation. From all of these, it can be concluded that real and true friendship is very possible between people that have a uniform status and are like-minded.

A lot of friends we have in the world today only remain together in times of prosperity and absence of problems but only the faithful, sincere and true friends remain all through the troubles, times of hardships and our bad times. We only discover who our bad and good friends are in the times where we don’t have things going our way.

Most people want to be friends with people with money and we can’t really know if our friends are true when we have money and do not need their help, we only discover our true friends when we need their help in terms of money or any other form of support. A lot of friendships have been jeopardised because of money and the absence or presence of it.

Sometimes, we might face difficulty or crises in our friendships because of self-respect and ego. Friendships can be affected by us or others and we need to try to strike a balance in our friendships. For our friendship to prosper and be true, we need satisfaction, proper understanding and a trustworthy nature. As true friends, we should never exploit our friends but instead do our utmost best to motivate and support them in doing and attaining the very best things in life.

The true meaning of friendship is sometimes lost because of encounters with fake friends who have used and exploited us for their own personal benefits. People like this tend to end the friendship once they get what they want or stab their supposed friends in the back just to get what they think is best for them. Friendship is a very good thing that can help meet our need for companionship and other emotional needs.

In the world we live in today, it is extremely difficult to come across good and loyal friends and this daunting task isn’t made any easier by the lie and deceit of a lot of people in this generation. So, when one finds a very good and loyal important, it is like finding gold and one should do everything to keep friends like that.

The pursuit of true friendship Is not limited to humans, we can as well find good friends in animals; for example, it is a popular belief that dogs make the best friends. It is very important to have good friends as they help us in times and situations where we are down and facing difficulties. Our true friends always do their best to save us when we are in danger and also provide us with timely and good advice. True friends are priceless assets in our lives, they share our pains and sorrow, help provide relief to us in terrible situations and do their best to make us happy.

Friends can both be the good or the bad types. Good friends help push us on the right path in life while on the other hand, bad friends don’t care about us but only care about themselves and can lead us into the wrong path; because of this, we have to be absolutely careful when choosing our friends in this life.

Bad friends can ruin our lives completely so we have to be weary of them and do our best to avoid bag friends totally. We need friends in our life that will be there for us at every point in time and will share all of our feeling with us, both the good and bad. We need friends we can talk to anytime we are feeling lonely, friends that will make us laugh and smile anytime we are feeling sad.

What is friendship? It is the purest form of relationship between two individual with no hidden agenda. As per the dictionary, it is the mutual affection between people. But, is it just a mutual affection? Not always, as in the case of best friends, it is far beyond that. Great friends share each other’s feelings or notions which bring a feeling of prosperity and mental fulfillment.

A friend is a person whom one can know deeply, as and trust for eternity. Rather than having some likeness in the idea of two people associated with the friendship, they have some extraordinary qualities yet they want to be with each other without changing their uniqueness. By and large, friends spur each other without censuring, however at times great friends scrutinize do affect you in a positive manner.

Importance of Friendship:

It is very important to have a friend in life. Each friend is vital and their significance in known to us when certain circumstances emerge which must be supported by our friends. One can never feel lonely in this world on the off chance that he or she is embraced by true friends. Then again, depression wins in the lives of the individuals who don’t have friends regardless of billions of individuals present on the planet. Friends are particularly vital amid times of emergency and hardships. On the off chance that you wind up experiencing a hard time, having a friend to help you through can make the change simpler.

Having friends you can depend on can help your confidence. Then again, an absence of friends can make you feel lonely and without help, which makes you powerless for different issues, for example, sadness and drug abuse. Having no less than one individual you can depend on will formulate your confidence.

Choosing Your Friends Wisely:

Not all friends can instill the positivity in your life. There can be negative effects as well. It is very important to choose your friends with utmost wisdom. Picking the right friend is somewhat troublesome task however it is extremely important. In the event that for instance a couple of our dear friends are engaged with negative behaviour patterns, for example, smoking, drinking and taking drugs, at some point or another we will be attracted to their bad habits as well. This is the reason behind why it is appropriate to settle on an appropriate decision with regards to making friends.

Genuine friendship is truly a gift delighted in by a couple. The individuals who have it ought to express gratitude toward God for having genuine pearls in their lives and the individuals who don’t have a couple of good friends ought to always take a stab at better approaches to anchor great friends. No organization is superior to having a friend close by in the midst of need. You will stay cheerful in your one-room flat on the off chance that you are surrounded by your friends; then again, you can’t discover satisfaction even in your estate in the event that you are far away from others.

Types of Friends:

There is variety everywhere, so why not in friends. We can see different types of friends during our journey of life. For instance, your best friend at school is someone with whom you just get along the most. That friend, especially in the case of girls, may just get annoyed even if you talk to another of your friend more than her. Such is the childish nature of such friendships that at times it is difficult for others to identify whether you are best friends or competitors.

Then there is another category of your siblings. No matter how much you deny, but your siblings or your elder brother and sisters are those friends of yours who stay on with you for your entire life. You have a different set of friendship with them as you find yourself fighting with them most of the times. However, in times of need, you shall see that they are first ones standing behind you, supporting you.

There is another category of friends called professional friends. You come across such friends only when you grow up and choose a profession for yourself. These friends are usually from the same organisation and prove to be helpful during your settling years. Some of them tend to stay on with you even when you change companies.

Friendship Examples from History:

History has always taught us a lot. Examples of true friendship are not far behind. We have some famous example from history which makes us realise the true value of friendship. The topmost of them are the Krishna and Sudama friendship. We all must have read or heard as to how after becoming a king when Krishna met Sudama, his childhood friend, he treated him with honour even though Sudama was a poor person. It teaches us the friendship need not be between equals. It has to be between likeminded people. Next example is of Karna and Duryodhana, again from the Mahabharat era.

Despite knowing the fact that the Pandavas were his brothers, Karna went on to fight alongside Duryodhan as he is his best friend and even laid down his life for him. What more example of true friendship can one find? Again from the same era, Krishna and Arjun are also referred to as the best of the friends. Bhagavad Gita is an example of how a true friend can guide you towards positivity in life and make you follow the path of Dharma. Similarly, there are numerous examples from history which teach us the values of true friendship and the need to nourish such for own good.

Whether you accept or deny it, a friend plays an important role in your life. In fact, it is very important to have a friend. However, at the same time, it is extremely important to choose the friends wisely as they are the ones who can build you or destroy you. Nonetheless, a friend’s company is something which one enjoys all through life and friends should be treated as the best treasure a man can have.

Friendship , Relationship

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This holiday season, the mean ol’ Grinch gets a comedy podcast series hosted by James Austin Johnson

FILE - James Austin Johnson attends the world premiere of “Don’t Look Up” in New York on Dec. 5, 2021. Austin Johnson of “Saturday Night Live” fame will voice the Grinch for a podcast called “The Grinch Holiday Talk Show” featuring a new celebrity guest every episode. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — What would the mean ol’ Grinch be doing in 2023? Would that Christmas sad sack be hosting a cooking show on TikTok? Writing long essays for Substack? No, you know what he’d be doing — a podcast.

“The Grinch Holiday Talk Show” arrives this holiday season with James Austin Johnson of “Saturday Night Live” fame voicing the Grinch and a new celebrity guest on every episode.

“This is a celebration of great Christmas mischief,” says Johnson during a recent break from taping the show in Brooklyn. “I think he is a curmudgeon and he’s grumpy and he just needs a nap and a bottle.”

The 30-minute podcasts — a production of Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Wondery — hopes to be something that both adults and children can enjoy, like during that 30-minute commute to skating lessons or while baking a pie.

“Hopefully kids hear stuff that’s funny to them. Hopefully the parents hear stuff that’s funny to them and everybody’s having a good time listening to it together,” says Johnson.

Guests include actor Bob Odenkirk and his daughter, Erin; singer Meghan Trainor; TV host Seth Meyers ; actor Tabitha Brown; comedian Pete Holmes; singer-songwriter Chloe Bailey; WWE star Cody Rhodes; actor Skai Jackson; fellow “SNL” cast member Bobby Moynihan; and comedian-actor Patton Oswalt.

Listeners can expect prank phone calls, comedy bits, weird commercials, the Grinch messing with his dog, Max, and freaking out when his heart jumps in size. The series is available now and kicks off with Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East as the first guest.

“Part of the great thing about this is show is that there’s a lot of room for improvisation and James is just so good at that,” says show producer Sara Mathes.

During a recent taping session, Johnson playfully jostled with Cindy Lou Who — playing his producer — and goes on an anti-Santa rant, joking that the jolly elf has “an entire North Pole sweatshop.”

“He flies around the world, entering people’s homes through the chimney? Why hasn’t anyone called that out as extremely inefficient? Not to mention, it’s basically breaking and entering, right? Hey, Merry Christmas — let’s celebrate this plus-sized burglar-type guy who breaks into your house through the chimney, then leaves gifts, like some kind of deranged Looney Tune?”

Johnson, known for dead-on impressions of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, was tapped for his ability to spend a lot of time improvising in character, a flair he also shows on his Instagram account. “I think they were looking for somebody who can embody a gruff character and keep it fun and light,” he says.

He has studied the voice work of Boris Karloff in the classic animated Grinch cartoon, as well as Jim Carrey and Benedict Cumberbatch, who both made Grinch live-action movies. “What I’m doing may be a little bit more Karloff than Carrey,” he says.

Johnson, who started doing stand-up in his teens in Nashville, Tennessee, describes his Grinch as a creature perpetually having a bad day. He likens him to a sassy gate agent at the airport during the busy holiday season.

“He’s a little snooty. He’s a little kind of Karen-y. He’s a little bit of like a fussy mom. He’s a little bit of a fancy dog that’s in that mom’s purse,” he says.

“I think I can be very cranky given the right circumstances. You know what I mean? Over-caffeinated, underfed. You know, every morning I’m like this guy right before lunch.”

The show is influenced by such fake interview shows as “The Eric Andre Show,” “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis” and “Primetime Glick.” “I would say that I’m I am trying to bring a little bit of that anarchic vibe to this,” says Johnson.

The Grinch, he thinks, plays an important antidote to the often forced holiday cheer — he can pop up whenever there’s someone feeling grouchy at a gathering.

“At any Christmas celebration, there’s somebody who’s got a grumpy look on their face and they’re having a bad time. Sometimes that’s mom, sometimes that’s dad, sometimes that’s the kid,” says Johnson. “I think all of us have these negative Christmas moments where we’re cranky and we’re being the Grinch now.”

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

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Modern Love

When a Breakup Is an Act of Love

Single again in midlife, I am learning how to embrace reality over fantasy in a new relationship.

By Annie Dwyer

A prompt on the Hinge dating app asks for two truths and a lie. I could say: I was in a cult as a teenager. I got engaged after only two months of dating. I had a stroke at 44, after ending my 19-year marriage.

The only catch? All three are true.

I joined a cult because I didn’t know myself. Then I rushed into marriage because I still didn’t know myself. The marriage was my first and only long-term relationship. I used to be embarrassed about this. It was a painful marriage, but I don’t like to say that because it feels like a disservice to the beautiful things in it, especially our three children.

At the end of “The Wizard of Oz,” Glinda tells Dorothy, “You’ve always had the power.” I used to hate that line, but now it makes sense. I didn’t understand the power I had. Sure, someone could have told me sooner. I wouldn’t have believed them, though.

Near the end of my marriage, I saw a man across a room and both of us felt an electric sense of recognition. We became friends. With him, I experienced what it was like to feel truly safe. I felt sure nothing could diminish me in his view.

Our friendship was the red thread that finally led me out of the labyrinth. Eventually, though, it became impossible to ignore the elephant — we were attracted to each other, but we were both married and neither of us was willing to have an affair. Reluctantly, we said goodbye. We never touched, but it still managed to upend both of our lives.

After my stroke, I spent a week in the hospital. My hand and arm were blue-black from all the blood drawn. I couldn’t walk easily. I felt hopeless until he texted. We tried to process the situation.

“I feel like you now live in the place within me where I go to be alone,” he said.

He was afraid to be a cliché, wary of fantasy. He had been through several intense relationships and was in his second marriage. I’d had only the one. I said I felt like I had lost out.

“You set your own desires aside for your kids,” he said. “You didn’t lose, you gave.” He thought I needed to be more selfish while admitting he couldn’t be. We said goodbye again, for good this time. I grieved him more than my marriage.

It took me a year and a half to try dating. The first guy I went out with had candles blazing and a seduction mix queued up when I arrived. We made out for 20 minutes and then the date ended. I felt like I had auditioned to be someone’s girlfriend and didn’t get the part.

A few months later — a handful of dates with someone else, another dead end.

Eventually I realized every person I had ever crushed on had been unavailable in some way. Other revelations followed, but I hesitated to try again.

Last fall, I met someone through work. His pale green eyes met mine, and he stepped really close. It seemed involuntary. Normally, the proximity would have unsettled me, but I was intrigued.

“New crush just dropped,” I joked to a co-worker.

We met to collaborate on a project. There was an easy intimacy. He made intense eye contact, stroking his face and running his hands through his hair. I recognized his body language conveyed something, but I didn’t trust my interpretation.

My daughter came up behind me when I was on my phone and said, “Oh my God, are you seriously Googling whether someone’s body language says they’re attracted to you?”

“Yeah,” I said, embarrassed.

She laughed.

I was 47. He was at least 10 years younger, so I figured he couldn’t possibly be interested in anything other than a professional relationship with me.

When I took a new job with a different organization, I reached out about a program, and we chatted. He asked how long I had been divorced.

Maybe he was interested? No way.

Then he asked how old I was when I got married and how long we had been together.

I told him and thought: Here we go. He’ll do the math and this will end.

Instead, he said, “What are you doing tonight?”

“Seeing a movie.”

“I would have liked to go if I weren’t in the city,” he said.

“Watch out,” my daughter joked. “He might be a MILF hunter.”

We met up the following Tuesday. He hugged hello and goodbye. I still wasn’t sure it was a date. Was he into me or not?

Later, he broached the topic. No more confusion.

I looked in the mirror and cringed, thinking of the flawless 30-something bodies he was probably used to seeing. But he seemed happy enough with mine. We were well-matched in many ways. Most of the time, it didn’t feel like there was an age gap. Once, though, he said, “I wish I had been a teenager in the ’90s” and I, having been a teenager in the ’90s, wished I could disappear.

He knew about the cult, so he understood I hadn’t really been a teenager in the ’90s — at least not a typical one. I told him how when I left the cult, I didn’t know any of the music from that time; it was as if I’d been Amish.

“If you hadn’t joined the cult, you would have been part of the riot grrrl scene,” he said. “Maybe you would have been in a band.”

I hadn’t expected to feel so seen by anyone since I said goodbye to the man with the red thread. I found myself daring to hope maybe this could be something.

It wasn’t. He ran hot and cold. When we talked about it, he said, “If it makes you feel better, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.” When he kept withdrawing, I told him I couldn’t handle it. We said we would remain friends.

A couple of weeks later, I was with my son and daughter when he texted.

“Can you really just be friends?” my daughter said. “Won’t it make you sad?”

“What if he talks about other girls?” my son said. “Will you feel disappointed?”

Listening to their thoughts, I felt hopeful for them. It took me far too long to learn this stuff. They understood it so much sooner. Maybe they would make fewer mistakes than I had.

He texted again the following week and invited me to hang out. Against my better judgment, I went. He played music while I wrote and sketched. That parallel time was everything to me.

Later, he sat next to me on the couch and asked, “Do you mind if I sit closer?”

I should have said no. So much for just being friends.

When we slept together in the past, he had been so present, so connected. Now, he was elsewhere. Silent, eyes shut. Meeting a need.

Two days later, I told him we couldn’t see each other anymore. I was sad but not heartbroken. Sure, I was disappointed, but I preferred to grieve the friendship than cling to fantasies about our potential. I could acknowledge that although I cared about him, I couldn’t stay in a situation that was painful.

In the past, the fantasy would have eclipsed the reality. I would have believed it was love, letting it drag on even if it made me irritable and anxious. I would have wasted hours analyzing what I did wrong and waiting for him to come around.

This time, I could see the dead end. I wanted something consistent, and he couldn’t give it to me. I was willing to wait for someone who could. Instead of failure, it felt like an act of love.

It seemed so obvious that I couldn’t help wondering why it took me so long. I had to accept that I didn’t get to skip the learning curve.

Recently, my children and I were talking and laughing together, and it was the brightest joy. I remembered how the man with the red thread said I didn’t lose. He was right. I also remembered how he struggled with fantasy. “I need to learn how to sit with the void instead of trying to fill it,” he had explained.

At the time, I didn’t understand what he meant, but now I do. I’ve had to learn how to sit with the void too. I’ve needed to be present and love myself.

I’m no longer embarrassed that my path is unusual. I look in the mirror and feel such tenderness for the woman I see. I smile, thinking: It’s already been a full life. And there’s still time.

Annie Dwyer is an artist and writer in Kingston, N.Y.

Modern Love can be reached at [email protected] .

To find previous Modern Love essays, Tiny Love Stories and podcast episodes, visit our archive .

Want more from Modern Love? Watch the TV series ; sign up for the newsletter ; or listen to the podcast on iTunes , Spotify or Google Play . We also have swag at the NYT Store and two books, “ Modern Love: True Stories of Love, Loss, and Redemption ” and “ Tiny Love Stories: True Tales of Love in 100 Words or Less. ”

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