The Nature Of Friendship & Relationships, by Alan Ewing

The Nature Of Friendship & Relationships

by Alan Ewing

Friendships and relationships tend to follow either one of two patterns and this determines their longevity.

The Circular Mode

The relationship which comes to an end will tend to have fluctuated upon a point of conflict which cannot be resolved. This issue may have been encountered before and it has resurfaced. This is the circular conundrum in which the breaking point cannot be avoided despite every solution having been tried. This is seen in divorce where the partnership cannot meet in the middle and so a parting of the ways occurs. The graph below shows a point on the parameter which keeps recurring.  The red dot is the point at which the centre of the relationship/friendship keeps breaking down.

The Linear Mode

The life friendship/relationship differs in that it can deal with conflict points be they life issues or personality. The meeting and compromise of the other's ways is accepted and a bridge of bonding is formed. Of course, there is always the risk of collapsing into the circular mode though this is usually dealt with by the strength of the friendship/relationship/marriage.  The linear mode is shown by the graph below which reverts to a straight line after disagreement or conflict have taken place and is represented by the zigzag lines.

Conclusion

In friendship/relationships then the strength and length of the partnership will be determined upon the ability of both parties to resolve and deal with disageements and conflict.

 

 

 

Alan Ewing, MSc, BA (Hons), Cert HE

©Alan Ewing 2020