It is human nature to form relationships. We are social animals, after all. While the type of relationship we have with someone can vary, there are several types of relationships that almost everyone will experience in their lifetime.
In a recent study conducted by Match.com, they asked over 5,000 singles about the different types of relationships they had been in. The results were interesting and showed that there are eleven types of relationships that people experience most often.
Relationship Statistics in America:
Relationships are a big part of life in America. In fact, according to a study by the Pew Research Center, 59% of Americans say that being in a strong relationship is “very important” to them. And, in a separate study by the National Center for Family and Marriage Research, it was found that 75% of people would like to get married someday.
- Over 90% of adults have dated someone in the past.
- Over 65% of adults are currently in a relationship.
- About 20% of married or committed couples have at some point cheated on their current spouse or partner.
- 4 out of 10 married or committed couples have said that they have visited a marriage counselor at least once.
- A third of married or committed couples have dealt with infidelity (cheating) in their relationship.
- The average age people get divorced is 30 years old for men and 28 years old for women.
The School Romance
The first type of relationship that most people will experience is the classic romantic school romance. This is a relationship with someone you are drawn to because they are your classmate or part of your social circle and may even be someone you see often at home or work as well.
Friendship Couple
Another common type of relationship was friendship couple. This is where both partners are essentially best friends who have started pursuing something romantic together. Nearly half of those surveyed had at least one friendship couple in their past!
Friends with Benefits
A close third was friends with benefits, which is exactly what it sounds like. This is a relationship where two people are friends and enjoy having sex with each other, but there is no commitment or emotional connection whatsoever.
The Sugar Relationship
A sugar relationship or better known as sugar daddy dating is a relationship in which an older, wealthy man provides money and gifts to a younger woman in exchange for her companionship and sex. This type of relationship is becoming more popular because it allows women to have financial stability without having to commit to a serious relationship.
The Rebound
Following a break-up, many people will jump into a rebound relationship. This is typically a short-term relationship with someone new to help them get over their last one.
The Long-Distance Relationship
Another type of relationship that is becoming increasingly common is the long-distance relationship. This is where both partners are not in the same location, often due to work or school commitments.
The Open Relationship
An open relationship is one where both partners agree that they can date other people. This type of relationship can be a lot of fun because you get to explore your sexuality with other people. However, it can also be difficult because you must trust your partner not to fall in love with someone else.
A friends with benefits relationship is one where you have sex with your friend, but you don’t have any other type of relationship. This type of relationship can be a lot of fun, but it can also be tricky because it’s easy to get attached to your friend.
The Serial Monogamist Relationship
A serial monogamist is someone who only has one serious relationship at a time. This type of relationship can be very stable because both partners are fully committed to each other. However, it can also be quite limiting because both partners are usually unwilling to explore other options.
The Polyamorous Relationship
A polyamorous relationship is one in which both partners are allowed to have multiple romantic and/or sexual relationships with other people. This type of relationship can be a lot of fun because it allows for a lot of exploration. However, it can also be quite difficult because it requires a lot of trust and open communication.
The Committed Relationship
This type of relationship is almost the opposite of the serial monogamist relationship. One or both partners tend to not want to fully commit to each other, although they are still in love with each other. This can be very confusing for everyone involved because people tend to think that if two people are in love, then one should always get what they want (i.e., commitment).
The Casual Relationship
A casual relationship is one in which neither partner expects or wants any kind of serious romantic or sexual commitment from the other person. This type of relationship can be very freeing because neither partner feels any pressure do certain things to please the other person. However, it can also be very unfulfilling because both partners usually end up feeling lonely and neglected.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, relationships come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a casual relationship or something long-term, there is someone out there who fits your needs and preferences. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re open and honest with each other to avoid any unnecessary heartache.