On (Re)Defining Relationships

Interesting conversation with V.

Last night after winning our badminton game (GO GREEN GECKOS!), V and I decided to hang out for a few drinks and munch on something at a near-by bar.

We started talking about relationships, mine, hers, and of those we know. Somehow, we were able to analyze why the world is full of screwed up relationships and while others, lucky as they are find their happy endings.

Types of Interpersonal Relationships

1. Friendship - simply put, it's when two or more people are in a supportive and co-operative relationship. That and only that. Many deep relationships start from friendship. While it does work for some, it's not necessary or integral for others. I personally believe that 'lover-type' relationships that stem from friendships is just complicated. Especially if you've been friends for a long time. I still prefer the magic on the first meeting but that's just me.

2. Family - by birth, by blood, or marriage, or even legally by adoption or something like that.

3. Professional - people you work with or have some dealing with in a professional sense. This, I believe is one of the most complicated relationships you could have. Especially if you don't know how to play the game i.e. kissing-ass, back-stabbing, corporate politcs, etc... etc... etc.

4. Romantic - Now, this I know a little something-something about having years and years of experience. Defined in terms of the concepts of passion, intimacy and commitment, romantic relationships are often over-rated.

Generally speaking there are so many types of relationships. Boyfriend, girlfriend, cohabitation, domestic partnership, networking, or as Friendster/Facebook and so many other networking sites would define it, "It's Complicated."

So why the heck have relationships nowadays became harder and harder to define. Perhaps because so many of us have been influenced by the society to just become part of what they define relationships to be. We've accepted the fact that we are nothing more that just part of the norm.

Take me for example, I am a born-deep-to-the-core-love-crazed-hopeless romantic. And eventhough my heart has been trampled, squished, broken, torn into a million pieces, stepped-on, bulldozed, and thrown out the window, it has endured all of those only to be trampled, squished, broken, torn into a million pieces, stepped-on, bulldozed, and thrown out the window again.

I only wish that I begin looking at the bigger picture and keep an open mind about certain things. Things are changing, relationships are not the way it used to be. Back when our great-great-great grandparents were alive and relationships were sacred, it was easier (I think).

On the other hand, there are these very successful people, who seems to have everything but a committed relationship with someone. People who do not allow themselves to be confined on society's rules and regulations. The rebels. The independent women/men. The ridiculously successful entrepreneurs. People who don't see themselves tieing the knot and yet are perfectly fine having relationships with themselves. These are the people I should hang out with more often. Maybe if I do, I'd learn a few things from them.

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But then again, there's always Puerto Galera. Let's get crazy. Let's go wild. I shan't think of all this relationship crap while there. Tomorrow will just be a crazy-crazy day! WOOOHOO!!