Relationships

Relationships are the basis of our lives. They help us feel safe and challenged, and help us learn and grow.

What are the 4 main types of relationships?

1. Romantic Relationships: Romantic relationships are perhaps the most well-known type of relationship. They involve a deep emotional and physical connection between two people and often include a strong commitment to one another. Romantic relationships can take many forms, including dating, engagement, and marriage. They can be long-term or short-term and are usually characterised by love, trust, and mutual support.

2. Platonic Relationships: These are non-romantic relationships between friends. They are built on trust, mutual respect, and shared interests. Platonic relationships can be close and intimate, but they do not involve a romantic or sexual connection. Examples of platonic relationships include friendships between coworkers, classmates, or neighbours.

3. Family Relationships: These relationships are often characterised by a strong sense of loyalty, love, and responsibility. Familial relationships can be complex, with many different dynamics at play. They can include relationships between parents and children, siblings, grandparents, and other relatives.

4. Professional Relationships: These exist between people who work together and are often characterised by a shared goal or purpose and can include relationships between colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates. They can be formal or informal, and they can be based on trust, respect, and mutual support.

Any healthy and close relationship will bring forth its fair share of arguments and disagreements – it’s our way of dealing with and overcoming differences in ideas, beliefs, and perspectives. However, when conflict becomes chronic it can lead to serious stress and, if left unmanaged, can contribute to a fall in our mental and physical health. It can also begin to affect other areas of life and how we interact and perceive our other relationships. 

Those of us who are witness to persistent conflict or hostility can also be at risk of developing anxiety, depression, behavioural problems or poor health, especially children.

We can help you work through relationship troubles or problems. From bullying to managing family dynamics, we can help you achieve healthy communication while understanding and establishing boundaries.