Defining relationships is no easy task – there’s simply too many out there! From casual relationships to romantic relationships, let’s face it: we experienced a bunch of relationships in our lives.
The types of relationships in our lives could either leave wonderful memories to reminisce on or taint a terrible scar that’ll make you want to forget it altogether.
So if you’re wondering what are the different types of relationships you’ll encounter in your entire lifespan, check out our list below:
16 Different Types of Relationships
1. The toxic relationship
The kind of romantic relationship which we all wish could be avoided, but unfortunately, we might have experienced these kinds of relationships in our lives.
If your partner has been constantly criticising you and calling you names, those are clear signs of a toxic relationship.
A healthy relationship wouldn’t leave you feeling like you’re not good enough for them. They wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) even name-call you in the first place!
One thing’s for sure, if you had to experience a toxic relationship, it’ll probably leave a scar in your heart which could affect the romantic relationships you’ll have in the future.
2. The experimental relationship
You might not know the kind of relationship you’re looking for when you meet this person. Maybe they seemed like your ideal type, but you’re still unsure as you haven’t dated around a lot yet.
Or perhaps you’ve decided to try something new other than the usual. For instance, you’re a total introvert but after dating an introvert too, maybe you’d like to try dating an extrovert instead!
Hence, the type of relationship that seems somewhat ‘experimental’ is something we’ll probably have at least once in our life (unless you’re lucky enough to marry your first love).
3. The controlling relationship
At some point in all the relationships in our lives, we’re bound to face a controlling relationship we didn’t ask for.
A controlling partner isn’t the type of romantic relationship you’ll love to have, although it may be difficult to identify at the start when the relationship is still new.
This is the kind of relationship that lacks trust, understanding and independence, which all point to a sign of a toxic relationship.
4. The temporary relationship
We probably had these types of relationships when we decided to be with them just for the sake of it, even though we knew deep in our hearts it wouldn’t last long.
Perhaps you needed some companionship whenever you’re lonely, so you got into the relationship despite not seeing a future with them.
5. The rebound relationship
You’re heartbroken after a recent relationship just ended. What better way to move on other than getting into a relationship with someone new, right?
Of course, it isn’t a healthy way to move on from a breakup, but sometimes you just can’t help it! Don’t worry guys, it’s normal to get over heartbreak by looking for someone else to ease the pain.
Who knows, maybe the so-called ‘rebound’ ended up being someone you’ll marry!
6. The first love relationship
Ah, classic first love types of relationships where you fell in love for the first time in your life, the ultimate special one that holds a place in your hearts. Oh, and of course, not forgetting a whole lot of other ‘firsts’ too!
It’s also usually the relationship that teaches us what we want in a relationship while preparing ourselves for the future ones.
7. The ‘just friends’ relationship
You click so well together, but it simply can’t go past the friendship stage. In simpler terms, this type of relationship is where there is zero romantic attraction with one another.
The thought of any sort of intimacy would make your face wrinkle in disgust. This type of relationship is all about being able to click well with someone, while also having an intense love for them.
8. The ‘opposites attract’ relationship
The thing is, you’ve always told yourself you’ll never date someone who has nothing in common with you. Or worse, polar opposites. But what do you know, you ended up with someone who dislikes what you love.
You know what they say, opposites attract, and to some, it’s actually true. It works for certain people because all that matters is the unbreakable bond they have among each other!
9. The FWB relationship
One of the common types of relationship we might encounter throughout our life would be a friends with benefits(FWB) relationship.
Let’s not lie to ourselves, shall we? Call it whatever you want, but as long as you both are hanging out together just to satisfy your sexual desires, nothing less and nothing more, then it’s an FWB relationship indeed.
10. The ‘feels like family’ relationship
Among all the relationships in our lives we’ve experienced before, the people that feel like family (though not blood-related) would be one of the common ones.
They’re like a brother or sister to you, and people may get confused thinking you two are actually siblings!
11. The long-distance relationship
If you’re wondering which types of relationships are only for independent and strong souls, long-distance relationships would be it.
Compared to the other types of relationships in this list, communication is vital when trying to maintain a long-distance relationship (yes, that includes endless Skype calls and daily texts.)
12. The ‘show off’ relationship
In much simpler terms, you’re only in the relationship to gain something out of it. You’re not into having a real, romantic relationship with the person.
All you care about is having a total eye-candy by your side, which is something everyone calls a trophy wife or husband.
13. The perfect on paper relationship
It’s a picture-perfect kind of romantic relationship where he or she ticks all of your boxes.
They’re everything you’ve always wanted, and you think you’ve hit the jackpot just because your family or friends loved them too.
However, despite all that, you both simply aren’t compatible enough. There’s a huge issue when it comes to compromising in the relationship. They just can’t seem to understand you!
14. The one-sided relationship
It’s the kind of relationship where someone has feelings for the other person, but it’s not getting returned. In other words, either one of you gets friend-zoned.
Not exactly the kind of relationships in our lives we’d be happy to have, however, it happens sometimes.
15. Mutually beneficial relationship
A mutually beneficial relationship is where both parties enjoy the perks of a relationship with no strings attached!
In short, there’s no commitment, and the best part? It’s the type of relationship that requires both of your needs to be met. Hence, you won’t have to worry about being at a disadvantage!
For this type of relationship, one person provides companionship in exchange for mentorship, financial assistance, and so on.
It’s a win-win situation whereby you’ll have to be on the lookout for someone who is capable of fulfilling your needs. Not everyone is fine with this type of relationship, though. But thankfully, you can still spot them on dating sites like Sugarbook.
16. The near-to-perfect relationship
This is it – he or she is ‘the one’! Everything seems to be perfect. Sure, there might be a few flaws and disagreements, but the good points outweigh the bad ones.
This type of relationship is similar to a fairytale, where you two are just simply meant to be together. It’s safe to say you’re completely in a healthy relationship!
Relationships are one of the beautiful things in life we’ll encounter. Whether it is a casual relationship, romantic relationship or mutually beneficial relationship where you meet potential partners through online dating apps like Sugarbook. It’s always better to fully understand the kind of relationship you’re looking for before defining relationships. That way, you’ll be able to make the right choices when it comes to your dating life and possibly saves yourself from even more potential heartbreaks too!
