We all know that love comes in many forms and can be expressed in countless ways. But maybe two of the most common are family love and relationship love. But, unfortunately, when it comes to these two specific types of things it can get a bit tricky.
There may also be a lot of questions on your mind. Things like which type of love is more important? Which one should we prioritize in our lives? Are they even comparable?
These are just a few of those questions, and we’re gonna take a look at them in this article. Hopefully, we can help you with whatever conundrum you have going on in relation to these two very important forms of love.
What are the Similarities?
Family love and relationship may seem very different on the surface, but there are actually quite a few summaries between the two.
First and foremost, both types of love involve a deep sense of connection and affection toward another person. Other similarities include the following:
- Both require work and effort to maintain
- Each involves a degree of sacrifice and selflessness
Though there are definitely differences which we’ll discuss next, between family love and relationship love, it’s important to recognize that both types of love share many similarities.
So no matter what type you are experiencing, your love for these individuals is very special and worth cherishing.
What are the Differences?
Family love is generally unconditional- no matter what happens, your family members will always be your family members. You may not always get along or see eye to eye, but you’ll still be bound together by blood at the end of the day.
On the other hand, relationship love is a choice. You choose to be with your partner, and they choose to be with you.
No inherent obligation or duty binds you together- it’s a relationship you actively choose to maintain. That’s just one of the differences though here are a few more:
- The level of intimacy is very different. You may be close with your family members and share a deep bond with them, but when it comes to romantic love, there is physical and emotional intimacy that simply doesn’t exist in family relationships.
- So family relationships can involve different types of love languages paired with family love. The focus may be on showing love through access service or quality time spent together.
On the other hand romantic relationships, there may be greater emphasis on physical touch or words of affirmation.
Pros and Cons: Family Love vs. Relationship Love
Sometimes the best way to understand a concept is to look at its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding this can help you understand what you need to maintain a healthy relationship, whether it’s with family or significant others.
Family Love
Pros:
- Unconditional
- Shared history
- Support system
Cons:
- A level of obligation is there
- You do not choose your family
- Family issues can make for stress and anxiety
Relationship Love
Pros:
- A deeper level of intimacy
- You choose your romantic partner
- Ability to help you grow and develop
Cons:
- Intimacy level creates more vulnerability
- Risk of breakup
- Something some sacrifices may be necessary
Which One is Easier to Maintain?
Deciding which type of blood disease to maintain is a tricky question, as so many factors are at play.
However, if we had to pick, we might argue that family love is generally easier to maintain than relationship love. One reason for this is that family love is typically unconditional.
No matter what happens, your family members will always be your family members. So while you may have conflicts and disagreements from time to time, the underline bond that connects you will always be there.
In contrast, relationship love is a choice that can be fragile. Maintaining a healthy romantic relationship requires ongoing effort, communication, and compromise. It can quickly fall apart if one or both partners are not fully committed to the relationship.
Which One is More Common?
Which type of love is more common? It’s tough to say definitively. Both family love and relationship love are universal human experiences that most people encounter at some point in their lives.
That being said, family love is probably more common simply because everyone has a family. Whether that’s a biological family or an adoptive family, or even a chosen family, everyone has some tribe.
The bond between family members is typically one of the earliest and most enduring relationships in a person’s life.
Even if a person doesn’t have a close relationship with their family or has experienced family trauma, family history and a set of familiar ties can’t be erased. Relationship love is a more specific type of love that is typically reserved for magic partners.
While many people experience romantic love at some point in their lives, not everyone has a long-term romantic relationship or gets married.
Instead, some people may choose to remain single or may practice other types of relationships, such as friendships or professional relationships.
Final Thoughts on Family Love Vs. Relationship Love
Family love and relationship love are two distinct but equally important types of love that most people encounter in their lives.
Deciding which type of love is easier to maintain or more common is a matter of personal experience and perspective, as every family orientation is different.
Ultimately the importance of both types of love lies in the ways they can enrich our lives and provide us with a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and belonging.