Social Relationship: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Social relationship is a term that refers to the connection or affiliation between two or more people who interact with each other on a regular basis. Social relationships can be of different types, such as family, friends, romantic partners, co-workers, neighbors, and so on. Social relationships are an essential part of human life, as they provide us with emotional, material, and health benefits. In this blog post, we will explore what social relationship is, why it is important, and how to improve it.

What Is Social Relationship?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, social relationship is “the way in which two or more people or groups behave towards and are involved with each other.”¹ This definition implies that social relationship involves both the actions and the feelings of the people involved. Social relationship is not a static or fixed concept, but rather a dynamic and evolving one that changes over time and across situations.

Social relationship can be classified into different categories based on various criteria, such as the degree of intimacy, the frequency of interaction, the duration of the relationship, the nature of the exchange, and the context of the relationship. For example, some common types of social relationships are:

• Family relationships: These are the relationships that we have with our parents, siblings, children, grandparents, and other relatives. Family relationships are usually characterized by a high degree of intimacy, loyalty, and obligation. Family relationships can also be influenced by cultural norms and values.
• Friendship relationships: These are the relationships that we have with people who share our interests, hobbies, values, or goals. Friendship relationships are usually characterized by a high degree of trust, support, and enjoyment. Friendship relationships can also be influenced by personal preferences and compatibility.
• Romantic relationships: These are the relationships that we have with people who we are attracted to or love. Romantic relationships are usually characterized by a high degree of passion, intimacy, and commitment. Romantic relationships can also be influenced by physical attraction and emotional attachment.
• Work relationships: These are the relationships that we have with people who we work with or collaborate with. Work relationships are usually characterized by a high degree of professionalism, cooperation, and respect. Work relationships can also be influenced by organizational culture and goals.
• Neighborly relationships: These are the relationships that we have with people who live near us or share our community. Neighborly relationships are usually characterized by a low to moderate degree of familiarity, friendliness, and helpfulness. Neighborly relationships can also be influenced by geographical proximity and social norms.

Why Is Social Relationship Important?

Social relationship is important for many reasons. Research has shown that social relationship has positive effects on our mental and physical health, as well as our personal and professional development. Some of the benefits of social relationship are:

• Emotional benefits: Social relationship provides us with emotional support and encouragement in difficult times. It also gives us happiness and satisfaction in good times. Social relationship helps us cope with stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other negative emotions. Social relationship also enhances our self-esteem, confidence, and sense of belonging.
• Material benefits: Social relationship provides us with material resources and assistance in times of need. It also gives us opportunities and access to information in times of opportunity. Social relationship helps us meet our basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and so on. Social relationship also enhances our financial security and stability.
• Health benefits: Social relationship provides us with health advice and care in times of illness. It also gives us motivation and inspiration in times of wellness. Social relationship helps us prevent or reduce the risk of various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious disease, and dementia. Social relationship also enhances our immune system and longevity.
• Personal benefits: Social relationship provides us with personal growth and learning in times of change. It also gives us feedback and validation in times of stability. Social relationship helps us develop our skills, talents, interests, values, and goals. Social relationship also enhances our creativity and innovation.
• Professional benefits: Social relationship provides us with professional guidance and mentoring in times of challenge. It also gives us recognition and reward in times of achievement. Social relationship helps us advance our career path, networking opportunities, and reputation. Social relationship also enhances our productivity and performance.

How to Improve Social Relationship?

Social relationship is not something that we can take for granted or neglect. It requires constant effort and attention to maintain and improve it. Some of the strategies that we can use to improve our social relationship are:

• Be open: One of the key elements of social relationship is self-disclosure, which means sharing our thoughts, feelings, opinions, and experiences with others. Being open allows us to build trust, intimacy, and understanding with others. It also shows that we care and value the relationship. However, being open does not mean that we have to share everything or overshare. We should also respect the boundaries and privacy of others and ourselves.
• Be respectful: Another key element of social relationship is respect, which means treating others with dignity, courtesy, and kindness. Being respectful allows us to avoid conflict, misunderstanding, and resentment with others. It also shows that we appreciate and acknowledge the differences and similarities among others. However, being respectful does not mean that we have to agree or conform to everything. We should also assert our rights and opinions in a polite and constructive way.
• Be empathetic: A third key element of social relationship is empathy, which means feeling or understanding what others are feeling or experiencing. Being empathetic allows us to provide comfort, support, and compassion to others. It also shows that we are attentive and responsive to the needs and emotions of others. However, being empathetic does not mean that we have to take on or solve the problems of others. We should also maintain our own well-being and boundaries.
• Be supportive: A fourth key element of social relationship is support, which means providing help, advice, or encouragement to others. Being supportive allows us to strengthen the bond, trust, and loyalty with others. It also shows that we are reliable and generous to the relationship. However, being supportive does not mean that we have to do everything or sacrifice ourselves for others. We should also seek and accept support from others when we need it.
• Be flexible: A fifth key element of social relationship is flexibility, which means adapting to the changes or challenges in the relationship. Being flexible allows us to cope with the ups and downs, conflicts, and transitions in the relationship. It also shows that we are willing and able to compromise and negotiate with others. However, being flexible does not mean that we have to give up or change our values or goals. We should also respect and appreciate the stability and consistency in the relationship.
• Be fun: A sixth key element of social relationship is fun, which means enjoying the time and activities with others. Being fun allows us to create positive memories, emotions, and experiences with others. It also shows that we are playful and spontaneous in the relationship. However, being fun does not mean that we have to be always cheerful or humorous. We should also share and acknowledge the serious and sad moments in the relationship.

Conclusion

Social relationship is a vital aspect of human life that affects our well-being, happiness, and success. Social relationship can be improved by being open, respectful, empathetic, supportive, flexible, and fun with others. By improving our social relationship, we can also improve ourselves and our society.