Not all relationships are the same. In fact, in love not everything is black and white and just the fact of feeling love and having a partner can be a very important step in a person’s life. First, love and mutual support in a relationship can provide a sense of well-being and happiness. On the other hand, the partner can also be an emotional support network to face life’s challenges in a more positive way. However, as we have mentioned before, not all couples are the same or work in the same way.
In this Psychology-Online article we will explain what the types of relationships in psychology are, offering you all the information you need to know what your type of relationship is.
Sternberg’s theory of love
Before explaining the characteristics of each type of relationship, it is necessary to identify three essential elements which, according to psychologist Robert Sternberg, are what govern different types of relationships. This theory, known as Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, considers that love can be divided into three components: intimacy, passion and commitment.
In turn, these three components are combined in different ways:
- Intimacy: it is the emotional closeness and deep connection that can be felt with another person.
- Passion: feelings of attraction and desire towards the partner.
- Commitment: The decision to maintain a long-term relationship and to work at it to keep it healthy and happy.
Sternberg’s theory suggests that different combinations of these three components can give rise to different types of love. For example, romantic love, platonic love and family love, among others, which can influence the different types of relationship that we will explain to you below.
Infatuation or caprice
First of all, falling in love or caprice is a type of relationship in which only passion is present. That is, it is an intense and positive emotion that is felt when we are attracted or fascinated by another person. It is usually accompanied by feelings of euphoria, happiness and excitement, as well as a desire to be close to the person we are attracted to.
Falling in love or infatuation can be a very rewarding experience, however, in some cases it can also become too intense and difficult to control. For this reason, although it can sometimes be the first step in the development of a loving relationship, it does not always lead to a stable and lasting relationship. If you want to know more about it, we explain it to you in the following article.
romantic couples
According to Sternberg’s theory, passion and intimacy are present in romantic couples, but with an absence of commitment. This type of relationship is characterized by a very deep emotional connection in which the couple supports and understands each other, but in which physical attraction predominates.
Therefore, They are usually spontaneous relationships without a commitment or the intention of establishing a solid lasting relationship.
empty relationships
On the other hand, in empty relationships there is a commitment to the partner, but they lack intimacy and passion. In some cases, these types of relationships can feel unsatisfying and unrewarding for the people involved, which can lead to the breakdown of the relationship.
Fatuous relationships
This type of relationship is also known as. They are those relationships in which there is passion and commitment, but no intimacy, so those involved do not develop a permanent and lasting emotional bond. At the same time, they are relationships with a deep sense of excitement and physical attraction, but in which communication between both parties is practically non-existent.
On the other hand, in this type of relationship there is almost always an emotional attachment or insecurity on the part of one of the members of the couple.
social couples
This is another type of couple in which There is no passion, but there is intimacy and commitment.. Generally, the members of the couple stay together out of habit or affection, but physical attraction between them no longer prevails.
Social couples are usually seen as perfect couples by other people. However, in the domestic sphere the reality is that they no longer maintain any type of passion or sexual life.
Fighting couples
This type of relationship is very particular, since it occurs when the members of the couple They argue very often, but they don’t walk away each other. In fact, they support and understand each other very well because they understand each other very well in the sexual sphere, or because one of the members of the couple has feelings for the other person.
The consummate love
Consummate love is typical of relationships that have well balanced three components: passion, intimacy and commitment. Is about happy couples who support and care for each other each other. Furthermore, people who have this type of relationship feel a great sexual attraction and want to be together for the rest of their lives.
Best Friends
If you find yourself in a relationship where you share many details of your daily life and with very healthy sexual relationships, it is possible that your type of relationship is best friends. Generally, these are relationships that begin as a friendship, but as they identify and understand each other so well over time, they end up in a romantic relationship.
Couples who have things in common
Couples who have hobbies in common and who share similar tastes tend to be very happy couples who they enjoy each other’s company. In addition, they always try to plan activities to do with their partner and have a great time sharing time together.
Couples in open relationships
This type of couple is unconventional because they do not practice monogamy. They are those in which the members of the couple agree to maintain sexual or romantic relationships with other people outside the relationship.
This conscious, mutual choice can be a way to keep the relationship healthy and satisfying for both parties. However, couples in an open relationship may also face problems with relationships and difficult emotions that can arise when one of the members of the relationship is romantically or emotionally involved with other people.
Distance relationship
Couples with a long-distance relationship are those in which the members They do not live in the same city, region or country. This can pose a full-blown challenge to the relationship as you cannot see and enjoy each other’s company as frequently as couples who live in the same city.
However, these types of relationships can also have some advantages, such as the opportunity to meet new people and places and the ability to have personal space and time for oneself. They tend to rely heavily on communication and technology to stay in touch and continue their relationship.
Couples madly in love
Finally, couples madly in love present a deep emotional connection and intense physical attraction. People in this type of relationship experience falling in love very intensely and can feel euphoric and happy when they are together. Additionally, they are very passionate and expressive in their affection for each other, which can manifest itself in kisses or hugs and a constant desire to see each other.
Although these couples can be very happy and satisfied, they can also face certain challenges and consequences, such as a lack of personal space and the emotional exhaustion that can be caused by the intensity of the emotions that arise in this type of relationship.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Sternberg, RJ (1988) The Triangle of Love: Intimacy, Passion, Commitment, Basic Books (ISBN 0465087469)…the:triangulus amoris.
- Sternberg, R.J., & Grajek, S. (1984). The nature of love. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 47, 312–329.