Relationships are unique, but there are some characteristics that can define each type.
Use these 19 relationship types to find where you fit in.
When you fall in love with someone, you can’t predict the direction of the relationship.
The relationship can be perfect.
Or sometimes it could be the worst thing you’d have to put up with.
But the hope of a perfect romance always leads us to take a chance.
Every new relationship you find yourself in is a whole new experience, even if you’ve been in multiple relationships.
Experience from your past relationships can help you improve your love life and become a better lover (unless you are still in love with your ex).
But no matter how many love affairs you have, you can never predict the outcome of a relationship until you are deeply involved in it.
The Different Types of Relationships
Not every relationship you will have in your life can be a pleasant experience.
Some men can be selfish, and others can be unfaithful.
But every now and then, you might meet someone who seems perfect for you.
So what separates a perfect relationship from a bad one?
In reality, there is only one thing that separates eternal romance from bad ones.
And that’s compatibility.
You can be a great lover who is selfless and generous, but if you’re dating someone who isn’t compatible with your expectations of love, the relationship can make you feel bitter and cruel.
Compatibility and Perfect Relationships
Take a moment to think about this, because understanding that line can make the difference between good lovers and bad romances.
A perfect relationship doesn’t need two perfect lovers, all a perfect romance needs are two people who have the same high expectations for love.
If two partners give and receive equally in a relationship, the two will be happily ever after.
But when that fine balance falls, the relationship starts to get unstable.
19 Types of Relationships You Can Experience in Your Life
There are many types of unique relationships that you can experience in your life.
But they can all be summed up in these 19 types of relationships.
When you start a relationship with someone special, you may not be able to predict what kind of relationship you are in.
But within a few months, you’ll know exactly what type you and your loved one can get into.
If you’re happy with the kind of relationship you’re in, that’s good for you.
But if not, communicate with your partner.
This can help improve compatibility and help you to understand each other better.
1. The Codependent Relationship.
Do you need your partner to function efficiently in your life?
This is the type of relationship where you are very dependent on your partner and totally dependent on them to help you make your decision.
2. The Control Relationship.
One partner plays a dominant role in the romance, while the other partner just follows the rules.
You may not realize that you are being dominated for a long time until you start to get frustrated and feel powerless.
3. The Relationship Maintained Through Loss.
You both lost a boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife, or suffered a painful breakup recently and bonded because you needed someone to love and be loved in return.
This relationship is very common and almost always you get into a relationship with someone just to fill the void inside.
4. The Trading Relationship.
Both are happy with each other, but every now and then there are a lot of negotiations and compromises on both sides just to keep the other partner happy.
5. Toxic Relationships.
Toxic relationships are relationships that look nice on the outside but, for some inexplicable reason, suck the life and happiness out of you.
You are frustrated or upset most of the time and have no idea why.
6. The Passion To Pass The Time.
You are in love with your partner, but you are not so in love that you make future plans with each other.
You’re happy for now, but somewhere inside, you’re convinced the relationship isn’t going to work out or last forever.
7. The Trophy Link.
You are dating your partner because it makes you look better or gives you something materialistic in return.
Gold prospectors and men with trophy wives are best suited for this type of relationship.
The love in this relationship may be true, but the foundation of the relationship is built on the shallow material ground rather than romantic compatibility.
8. The Distracted Relationship.
Many college sweethearts experience this type of relationship several years later.
Both partners are in love but completely invisible to each other.
They’re too focused on their careers or their kids to give each other enough time.
9. The Imperfect Relationship.
You know your relationship isn’t perfect, but you don’t want to change it.
You don’t complain, because you’ve accepted your partner and your life as less than perfect.
And you feel like you can’t change anything even if you want to.
10. The Unhappy Relationship.
You are not happy in your relationship, but you still fall behind, not out of love, but for something else, like your kids or what society will think of you.
11. The Long Distance Relationship.
Both love each other and are emotionally connected to each other.
But physically, the two of you live in two different area codes and share minimal physical intimacy.
You would have to deal with insecurities and jealousy, and several bouts of suspicion from time to time.
12. The Complicated Relationship.
Complicated relationships are the most complicated type of relationship.
Both partners may know that things aren’t perfect in the land of love, whether it’s because of a third person’s involvement or because of incompatibility, but nevertheless, the two of you have no idea how to resolve the issue or deal with it…
13. The Emotional Relationship.
This is the kind of secret affair you have with someone who is not your own partner.
You may not realize that you are falling in love with this person, but you would actually be completely head over heals.
So much so that you would willingly compromise your own perfect relationship to be with that other person.
14. The Relationship Of Love And Hate.
There is a lot of chemistry and physical attraction in this relationship.
But as much as there is love and passion, there is the same amount of hate and frustration.
You two are crazy about each other and yet you can’t stand each other sometimes.
This can be fun for a while, but unless you guys fix the problem, it will start to get very tiring in the long run.
15. The Insecure Relationship.
The two of you can lead your own independent lives and have your own friends.
And no matter how hard you try to convince your partner that you are loyal, they can always assume that you are cheating on or taking an interest in someone else.
You can help your partner up to a point, but beyond a point, you can’t do much other than just letting them go.
16. The Abusive Relationship.
This is the type of relationship where one partner holds the reins and controls the other, either verbally or physically.
If a partner tries to control you or use their hand, walk away at the first opportunity.
As difficult as it may seem, you have no choice here.
You can try to convince yourself that it was a one-off incident, but it almost never is.
17. Relationships May December.
Are you in a relationship with someone who is at least a decade and a half older or younger than you?
Then you would qualify for the May-December romance.
Compatibility is important here, but beyond that, you still need to learn to deal with different expectations of him, his family, and the opinions of his and her friends.
18. The Sacrificial Relationship.
This is unconditional love at its worst.
You’re dating someone you really love with all their heart, but your partner doesn’t seem to love you as much as you love them.
And even if you are really nice people, perfect for each other, that kind of relationship will only lead to bitter fights and helpless tears.
19. The Truly Compatible Romance.
This is the hardest type to find.
But then again, this is the only definition of a perfectly romantic relationship.
You are compatible and you understand each other completely, and you accept each other for who you are.
There is love in the air, and everyone is jealous of your relationship.
Conclusion
So now that you know the 19 different types of relationships you can experience, what kind of love are you in now?
If you’re the type that doesn’t really like it, do something about it.
If you’re in the happy kind of love, sheesh, stop rubbing it in people’s faces?!
