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There is no single way to categorize all the different types of relationships people have. In this toolkit, we will focus mainly on friendships and romantic relationships, but let’s take a brief look at other types of relationships:
Platonic
- Not romantic or sexual
- Can be casual, long-term, and/or short-term
- Can be formed through mutual friends, hobbies, or shared classes
Romantic
- Can be categorized as serious, casual, and/ or long-distance
- Sometimes develops from a platonic relationship
- Feelings of being in love
Sexual
- May or may not include romance
- Importance of consent and creating/ maintaining boundaries
- Fun, opportunity to explore sexuality and desire
Familial
- Chosen or organized by law, guardianship, blood, or commitment – includes parents, siblings, extended relatives
Acquaintances
- People you see or run into but don’t know much about
- Classmates, teammates, coworkers, people you see on campus – more friendly relationships
- Can still shape everyday experience
For more information on platonic relationships, check out this infosheet on Healthy Platonic Relationships and this webinar on healthy platonic relationships
There are more relationships that don’t fit clearly into categories or fit into multiple categories, and that’s okay! What matters most is how a relationship makes you feel and whether it supports your values, needs, and boundaries.
