Interpersonal Relationships (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what interpersonal relationships are, their characteristics and examples. Also, how communication intervenes.

What are interpersonal relationships?

When we talk about interpersonal relationships, we refer to the way of bonding that exists between two or more people based on emotions, feelings, interests, social activities, etc.

This type of relationships are the basis of life in society and they occur in different ways in numerous everyday contexts, such as family, friends, the work environment, sports clubs, marriages, and many more, as long as there is the possibility of two or more people communicating in a sustained manner. .

Furthermore, they are part of human life at such deep levels that may even be regulated by law, by convention or by custom. This creates a complex network of ties and social groups that constitute society as a whole. In fact, managing interpersonal relationships is a fundamental milestone in the growth of the individual.

Types of interpersonal relationships

circumstantial interpersonal relationships — Some interpersonal relationships can be fleeting and superficial.

Interpersonal relationships can be very diverse and complex, and some may not even have a name. But broadly speaking we usually recognize more or less the following:

Intimate or emotional relationships Those who pursue a deep connection with other individuals, and who basically understand the different degrees of affection. These are bonds of enormous trust that seek to last over time, associated with pleasant sensations and protection, solidarity and belonging. Such is the case of love and friendship, for example.
Superficial relationships Those that are handled in an initial layer of individuals' knowledge, that is, in the formal and not very deep stages, whether pleasant or not. These are passing ties, not too important or central in the individual's emotional life (unlike intimate ones). It is the type of relationships we forge with strangers, with people we know are ephemeral or with the seatmate on an airplane, whom we will never see again.
Circumstantial relationships Those relationships that delve into the intermediate spectrum between the intimate and the superficial, since they involve people with whom we often share, but for whom we do not feel a very deep attachment. This type of ties can always transcend and become deep, or diminish until they become superficial. This is what happens with our co-workers, for example.
Rivalry relationships Those that start, precisely, from enmity, competition or deeper emotions, such as hatred. These are generally negative ties, which mobilize our emotions to a greater or lesser extent, but which we do not value as with our intimate relationships, although they can always change category, depending on the circumstances. In this category are our rivals and enemies.
Family relationships In this category are the people with whom we were born and with whom we are linked by a family or genealogical tree, that is, with whom we share a blood bond. In many of them there is also a certain principle of authority, and we can feel love or antipathy for them. Furthermore, in general they could be more or less deep or superficial, but unlike the others, they tend to persist enormously over time. Obviously in this category the ideal example is our parents.

Importance of interpersonal relationships

Managing interpersonal relationships are the basis of personality human and an unavoidable factor in our way of living. This means that they are central to our journey and that can be a source of enormous satisfaction, or a lot of suffering depending on the choices we make and the type of links we establish with others.

More harmonious relationships with others tend to generate socially healthier, more flexible and tolerant individuals, or at least with more tools to integrate into the group and deal more successfully with others.

Characteristics of interpersonal relationships

interpersonal relationships rivalry — Some interpersonal relationships present conflict, rivalry or even hatred.

In general, interpersonal relationships:

They can be deep or superficial.
They can be pleasant or conflictive.
They may occur best with a separate individual or with an entire group.

The features depend on the individuals involved and their social skills many of which are determined throughout key stages of childhood and youth. In that sense, they may be influenced by trauma or critical situations. They are often a clear symptom of our inner life or emotional life.

Examples of interpersonal relationships

It is not difficult to give examples of interpersonal relationships: love in its enormous and varied range of bonds, from filial to erotic, is a common type of interpersonal relationship.

They are also good examples friendship and camaraderie, or work relationships and its hierarchical laws. Wherever there are two people interacting, there will be some margin of interpersonal bond.

Communication and interpersonal relationships

Communication is the ability to effectively exchange information. Therefore, it is the basis of all types of interpersonal relationships. In fact, For a relationship to arise between two or more people, they must be able to communicate even if it is to express displeasure.