18 tipos diferentes de relacionamentos (+como lidar com cada um deles)

You’ve spent a significant amount of time in your life figuring out dating and romance. Truth be told, this has been one of your primary concerns ever since your teenage years. Well, you’re not alone.

But is it possible that you never got to the bottom of your love life because you had no idea how many types of relationships there are? Yes, there is much more out there than the patterns that you’re used to.

Então, quais são os tipos de relações? Como é que se reconhece cada um deles? E o mais importante: como lidar com eles da melhor forma possível?

We’ve got you covered. Here are the answers to all of these questions and more.

Co-dependente

O que é que se passa?

Many people see this kind of interpersonal relationship as normal and typical; the truth is that it’s anything but healthy.

Basically, when you’re in a relação de codependência, you don’t love your partner the right way – you just think you do.

In fact, you’re addicted to them. It’s normal for your partner to play an important role in your life, but it’s much worse than this in your case.

You’re obsessed with their presence in your life, and everything they do or say affects you.

Com o tempo, o perder-se completely. Your primary goal in life is to keep this person by your side because you’re convinced that you would literally die without them.

O que é que o torna pouco saudável?

No, this is not romantic, and it’s certainly not the way a romance saudável should look. I hate to break it to you, but you’re a namorada pegajosa or boyfriend if you’re codependent.

You have no self-sufficiency, no autonomy, and no life outside of your relationship. Truth to be told, you’re unable to express any type of emotion that doesn’t concern your partner.

You don’t care what happens in the world outside of your intimate relationship, as it’s the only thing that really matters to you.

Sofre de falta de autoestima e vive com um medo constante de que o seu parceiro se afaste de si.

With time, you develop serious abandonment trauma. Your entire world revolves around this person – they give you meaning and make you fulfilled.

Without them, you’d be utterly lost, and your existence would be pointless. At least, this is how you feel.

O pior é que o seu namorado ou namorada permite a sua obsessão. Eles gostam do facto de você depender deles, mesmo que provavelmente nunca o admitam.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have stayed with you so long, would they? The truth is that the other party enjoys the emotional control they’ve managed to impose on you.

This is the only way for them to feel relevant. Your behavior serves them as an ego boost, and that’s the only reason they keep you around.

Independente

O que é que se passa?

O oposto de uma relação codependente é uma relação independente. À partida, os casais independentes podem parecer tudo menos verdadeiros parceiros, uma vez que raramente seguem os padrões tradicionais de relacionamento.

Imagina-os a viver vidas completamente separadas e, para algumas pessoas, podem até parecer estranhos. No entanto, isso está longe de ser verdade.

You see, when you’re in an independent relationship, you remain the person you were before meeting your loved one.

However, this doesn’t mean that you’re not subject to personal growth and improvement.

It’s just that neither of you changes the essence of their beings just to please the other person. Even though you’re in a relationship, you keep the life you had before your partner.

Yes, you two meet halfway on some things – that is completely normal. However, you still have your goals, career, friends, family relationships, and hobbies.

Now you’ve just found someone to accompany you on this journey called life. You’ve found someone who won’t try to mold you and who won’t do anything to endanger your individuality.

O que é que faz com que seja uma relação saudável?

A melhor parte desta relação é que you don’t actually need your partner – you’ve just chosen to be with them.

Of course, you would miss them if they were gone. You would grieve their absence, but your world wouldn’t stop spinning if that happened.

You don’t depend on them financially, emotionally, or in any other way. Their departure wouldn’t mess up your life too much, and it certainly wouldn’t significantly reduce its quality.

This might sound harsh, but in this situation, you both put yourselves first. It doesn’t mean that you don’t love your boyfriend or girlfriend – you just love yourself more.

Trust me: this doesn’t make you selfish. It only shows that you’re both mature and have the capacity to look at things realistically, without feelings included.

Quer queiram admitir ou não, o vosso amor pode desaparecer um dia. Podem separar-se.
And if that happens, what remains? Well, you’ll be left alone with yourself.

You’ll be left with the life you’ve built outside of your romance, so it better be a good one.

Ativo/passivo

Como é que funciona?

The title says it all: in this relationship, there is a clear difference between an active and a passive partner. I’m sure you’ve seen tons of relationships, especially marriages like this.

I’m talking about the ones where, for example, a wife/mother is in charge of basically everything. She does the cooking, the cleaning, and other chores.

She is the one responsible for the children’s upbringing, and the one everyone consults with before making a life-changing decision.

Por outro lado, o marido segue a corrente. Na maior parte das vezes, é um espetador passivo perante os seus próprios familiares.

He has no interest in how the kids are raised, where they will go on their next vacation, or what they’ll have for lunch. This man’s only responsibility is to go to work and bring money home.

Durante o resto do dia, deita-se no sofá, vê televisão e age como um verdadeiro parasita. É claro que as coisas podem acontecer nos dois sentidos, e este é apenas um exemplo.

Porque é que é insustentável?

However, an active/passive relationship doesn’t always have to be this obvious – sometimes you don’t even realize that your relationship struggles with this kind of dynamic.

Na maioria dos casos, o parceiro ativo é aquele que carrega toda a relação às costas, de uma forma ou de outra.

At the end of the day, they’re the ones keeping it alive, while the other person just tags along.

A razão pela qual este tipo de relações é mais comum do que se possa pensar é que os opostos atraem-se.

Quando se encontram pela primeira vez, o parceiro passivo acalma o ativo. Por outro lado, a parte ativa traz a excitação de que a passiva sente falta.

However, as soon as the initial butterflies are gone, you face trouble in paradise. The active partner starts to feel overwhelmed while the passive one can’t handle the pressure.

Dominante/submissa

O que é que se passa?

Muitas pessoas cometem um erro ao pensar que ativo/passivo e dominante/tipos de relações submissas são a mesma coisa. No entanto, o facto é que diferem em muitos aspectos.

Just because you’re an active partner doesn’t make your boyfriend or girlfriend submissive.

You might be louder, more capable, or even more aggressive when it comes to your common interests, but that doesn’t mean that the other person is automatically compliant.

Quando ouve estes termos, a primeira coisa que provavelmente lhe vem à cabeça é o quarto de dormir.

Bem, a relação dominante/submissa é muito mais do que isso, e as suas actividades entre os lençóis são apenas uma parte dela.

A submissive partner has no say in and out of the bedroom, and all control is in the hands of the dominant one. They’re the one who governs both of your lives in all of its aspects.

À primeira vista, o parceiro dominante tem mais vantagens neste tipo de dinâmica de poder. A verdade é que ele tem muito mais direitos.

Nevertheless, their responsibilities are bigger, as well. It’s their duty to protect their esposa submissa ou marido, para cuidar deles de todas as formas possíveis e para os conduzir na vida.

They’re in charge of the entire decision-making process in the relationship and, therefore, take all the blame if something goes wrong.

Poderá ser bem sucedido?

Para a maioria das pessoas, uma dinâmica de poder dominante/submissa é a pior coisa de sempre. No entanto, algumas gostam da sua superioridade e outras adoram ser obedientes.

So, if it works for them – who are we to judge?

Não se esqueça de que existe uma grande diferença entre um romance em que ambas as partes concordaram com esta configuração e uma relação em que esta luta pelo poder é forçada.

If you’re a submissive partner, you’re not your loved one’s slave, nor are they your master.

O mais importante é que pode e deve pôr fim a este jogo no momento em que ele o começa a incomodar.

Platónico

O que é que se passa?

I’m sure you heard about this kind of relationship. It was named after the famous philosopher Plato. With time, the concept has been modified, although the source idea has remained the same.

Numa relação platónica, você e o seu parceiro partilham emoções profundas um pelo outro.

You’re committed to making your romance work; you share the same values, common interests, and you plan a future together.

No entanto, não há nada de físico a acontecer entre vocês os dois. It’s not that you just don’t sleep together – there is also no touching and kissing. Basically, there is no physical attraction and chemistry.

Isto pode parecer estranho ou mesmo impossível para encontros modernos but trust me – a lot of people choose this relationship as something that suits them best.

Para estes casais, a intimidade é muito mais do que satisfazer os seus impulsos primários. Concentram-se noutras coisas, como formar uma ligação mais profunda e mais forte e tornarem-se as melhores versões possíveis de si próprios.

O que é que pode correr mal?

Parece demasiado bom para ser verdade, certo? Bem, o facto é que não são muitas as pessoas que conseguem fazer com que este tipo de relação resulte.

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have needs that we can’t control.

This is why these relationships fail in most cases: one of the partners finds the passion they’re lacking back home and realizes that this is not how they can continue living.

Friendzone

However, please don’t mistake friend-zoning for a platonic relationship. Theoretically, they’re similar, but not the same.

Em ambos os casos, há duas pessoas que são amigas e, de certa forma, partilham uma vida em comum, mas não há nada de físico entre elas.

Nevertheless, when you’re in a platonic relationship, you both agree to these terms. Por outro lado, uma friendzone significa que uma pessoa tem sentimentos não tão platónicos pela outra.

They would never choose to be platonic if they had the chance – they are just left with no other choice.

Ao mesmo tempo, na maioria dos casos, a outra pessoa não faz ideia dos seus sentimentos e vê-o apenas como um amigo.

Temporário

Como é que funciona?

When you start a new relationship, you don’t know where it will take you or how long it will last. But every time, you hope that this is the real deal.

You don’t think about the end, nor do you plan a break-up now that everything is going smoothly. At least, this is how things usually work. Well, with a relação temporária, tudo é diferente.

From the very first day, this romantic relationship has an expiration date. You know it’s not permanent, and you don’t give your entire self to it.

You don’t plan your future with this person, you don’t introduce them to your friends and family, and you don’t share your deepest thoughts and feelings with them.

Officially, they’re your boyfriend/girlfriend, but they’re not your life partner.

You might be moving out of town in a couple of months but don’t want a long-distance relationship. Or you’re not ready to share your life with someone else but don’t want to be alone either.

Quando é que não é saudável?

Não há nada de errado com os romances temporários sob uma condição: que ambos concordem com os termos da vossa relação. A pior coisa que pode fazer é dar falsas esperanças ao seu parceiro.

Infelizmente, na maioria dos casos, este tipo de relações só é visto como temporário para uma pessoa. Para ela, este romance tem uma data de validade, enquanto a outra pessoa não faz a mínima ideia.

Ou a outra parte recusa-se simplesmente a aceitar a situação atual. Lá estão eles, a fazer planos e a esperar que tudo mude no futuro.

Vêem-se a ir para o altar com a pessoa que os vê como um solução temporária em vez de uma solução permanente. Neste caso, este romance não é saudável, é tóxico e, acima de tudo, é injusto.

Evitar

O que é que se passa?

Infelizmente, hoje em dia, cada vez mais pessoas se envolvem numa relação de evitamento sem sequer o saberem. Em termos simples, trata-se de um romance entre duas pessoas que evitam qualquer tipo de intimidade.

But I’m not referring to physical intimacy this time. I’m talking about real ligação emocional.
Muitas vezes, estas pessoas foram magoadas no passado.

Consequently, they’ve built strong walls around their hearts. They’ve become overly careful, and their worst fear is of being hurt again.

So, they act as if they’re heartless since they’re convinced it’s the only way to protect themselves from going through the same hell once more.

Estas pessoas são emocionalmente indisponíveis e escolhem conscientemente parceiros com quem podem ter uma relação do tipo evitante.

The avoidant person doesn’t include their boyfriend/girlfriend in their life, they refuse to open up completely, and they never give them their whole heart.

Instead, they’re constantly on the lookout. They avoid any situation that might reveal their vulnerabilities and force them to lay down their shield.

Têm problemas de confiança profundamente enraizados e estão prontos a fugir no momento em que vêem que a outra pessoa se aproximou demasiado.

Negligência emocional

O problema com estas relações é que o outro parceiro acaba quase sempre por se sentir emocionalmente negligenciado. At first, you think that you’ll tear down your loved one’s walls with time.

However, despite all of your attempts, that doesn’t happen. You end up feeling unloved and unwanted, which severely damages your self-esteem and mental health.

Com guião

Qual é o seu aspeto?

Sabe aqueles casais que estão juntos há muito tempo?

Fizeram tudo de acordo com as regras: licenciaram-se juntos, ficaram noivos, casaram e agora têm filhos, um cão e vivem numa casa grande, vedada com um postigo branco, nos subúrbios.

At first glance, this kind of life looks like a fairytale. After all, this is what we’ve all dreamt of while growing up.

Mas, por vezes, as coisas são demasiado boas para serem verdade. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not claiming that every seemingly perfect relationship is not as great as it seems.

No entanto, as relações com guião são exatamente assim. De facto, na maioria dos casos, fazem lembrar aquelas famílias Stepford.

They are together and do everything by the book because that is how things should be. These couples aren’t living the life they want because they’re too busy fulfilling expectations.

I don’t know whether they’ve been told that their life has to look like this, if they come from a traditional family who taught them that this was the only way, or if they’re just too obsessed with meeting society’s standards.

Onde é que pode correr mal?

Para os espectadores, estes casais têm tudo: têm empregos estáveis, pagam a hipoteca e vão de férias.

O dia do seu casamento foi mágico, os seus filhos estão bem criados, visitam as suas famílias, passam os domingos juntos e convivem com outras famílias semelhantes à sua.

Mas será que eles têm amor verdadeiro? Existe aqui uma ligação emocional genuína? Será que se ouvem realmente um ao outro?

Nobody has ever heard them arguing – but you won’t see them kissing either. One question arises here: Are people in scripted relationships robots or human beings?

Validação

Porque é que isso acontece?

As pessoas que lidam com várias inseguranças têm um desejo incontrolável de validação em diferentes formas de relacionamento.

They need someone who will tell them that they’re enough, that they’re doing okay, and that they’re valuable. Otherwise, they won’t see their own worth.

Normalmente, isto começa na primeira infância, quando uma criança pede a validação dos seus pais, amigos ou professores.

However, if they don’t get the right kind and amount of proof that they matter, they’ll continue seeking it through adulthood.

When you’re in this type of relationship, all you need is your partner’s acceptance. Your self-esteem completely depends on their opinion, so you’re also, in a way, co-dependent.

Whatever you do, you do it for them to think that you’re enough. You have the need to prove your worth to them because you don’t have it without their validation.

You constantly wonder if you could do better, if they’re happy with you, and if you’re giving them all you should. The moment you see their dissatisfaction, you’re convinced that you did something wrong.

Pensa demasiado em cada palavra e movimento. Culpa-se a si próprio por tudo o que está mal na sua relação, como se a pessoa não tivesse qualquer responsabilidade na sua relação.

O que é que o torna errado?

Let’s get one thing straight: someone else can never give you confirmation of your worth until you start feeling valuable. It shouldn’t depend on your relationship but your own opinion and feA primeira pessoa que se cruza no seu caminho, e você ficaelings.

I’m trying to say that your starting point for change has to be learning how to build your self-confidence.

All the love you’re getting from your partner is completely pointless unless you learn como amar a si próprio.

Recuperação

O que é que se passa?

So, you’ve been in a long term relationship which ended badly. In fact, it’s irrelevant how long it lasted. Truth to be told, maybe it wasn’t an actual relationship in the first place.

Either way, the bottom line is the same: you got your heart broken. I don’t care if it was infidelity, if the other person didn’t want you, abused you, or just didn’t love you enough.

You’re disappointed and see no light at the end of the tunnel. You’ve stopped believing in love and hoping that one day, you’ll find happiness.

Pensa que todas as mulheres ou os homens são iguais e que toda a gente te vai magoar da mesma forma que o teu ex.

You don’t see yourself giving your heart to another person ever again, and you gave up on your “happily ever after.”

Então, o que é que faz? Processa as suas emoções? Fica à espera que as coisas melhorem?

Do you heal in a healthy way? Do you accept that you’re emotionally unavailable and abstain from any romantic relationships?

No – you do the complete opposite. Andamos por aí a resolver os nossos problemas criando novos problemas, o que, como é óbvio, nunca dá bons resultados.

Agarramos na primeira pessoa que se cruza no nosso caminho e começamos a sair com ela. Not only that – you also start things seriously.

However, you’re doing it all to forget about your ex. You’re using this person who has nothing to do with your scars, and you’re hurting them the same way you’ve been hurt.

E isto, meu amigo, é um exemplo típico de como relações de ricochete roll. The sad thing is that they’re all around us.

O que é que o torna pouco saudável?

The problem is that the other person has no clue that they’re your rebound. They have no idea that you’re taking advantage of them and that they’re serving as a bandage for your crushed heart.

That is precisely what makes this entire arrangement wrong and evil – you’re hurting someone harmless in the process. Tu condu-lose dá-lhes falsas esperanças.

Yes, you’re with your BF/GF physically, but mentally and emotionally, you’re somewhere far away. And that is something no person in this world deserves. Basically, you’re no better than your ex.

Quase

Como é que isso acontece?

Quando se começa a namorar com alguém novo, a última coisa que se quer é parecer desesperado.

You don’t want your new boyfriend/girlfriend to think that you’ve hit the jackpot by meeting them or to see you as some loser whose only goal is to find someone to love them.

After all, being emotional is out of style, isn’t it? We’re all acting casual, and the one who shows feelings first is a loser.

So, you don’t put your cards on the table. Passam tempo juntos e dormem juntos, mas nunca perguntam qual é a vossa posição.

You’ve never committed to not seeing other people, even though this is what you’d secretly like to happen. Esperamos que a nossa relação comece a parecer outra coisa um dia destes.

O number one problem is that everything looks like you’re in a real relationship, but you’ve actually never defined it.

Tudo parece perfeito, até que chega uma altura em que se sente incomodado com alguma coisa. Talvez eles quase namorisquem com outras pessoas ou ainda tenham aplicações de encontros instaladas.

But you can’t say anything, can you? After all, you haven’t made things clear, and they never promised their fidelity.

Sounds familiar, right? Well, this is what’s called an quase relação – a trap almost all of us have fallen into at least once.

Porque é que é prejudicial?

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not against these types of relationships. But remember that it’s all fun and games until one of you catches feelings.

And I assure you that this will happen sooner or later. I know what you must think: you’re above that, and you can control yourself.

Well, in most cases – you can’t. So, it’s better not to start these relationships in the first place to avoid any regrets later.

Equilibrado

O que é que se passa?

A balanced relationship is basically the one in which you receive just as much as you take. You put in the amount of effort you’re getting from your partner.

Mas sabes o que diz uma citação famosa? “A relationship isn’t always 50/50. Some days a person will struggle. You suck it up and pick up that 80/20 cause they need you. That’s love.”

What I’m trying to say is that you shouldn’t measure the devotion, time, and effort both of you put into a relationship.

But at the end of the day, when you calculate everything, you’re pretty much on the same level.

Neither partner feels like they’re making all the sacrifices. They don’t feel like they’re moving mountains for someone who isn’t ready to move a finger for their sake.

Tudo neste romance é equilibrado, incluindo os seus sentimentos.

You’re not the one who loves more, nor does your partner feel like their love is unrequited. You two are equals, and that‘s the magic of it all.

Porque é que é uma relação saudável?

I’ll be straight with you: out of all types of relationships, this is one of the best. Not only that: it also has the most chance of succeeding.

A comunicação entre si e o seu parceiro é saudável. Ambos dão tudo de si e unem esforços para que as coisas funcionem.

Ninguém sente emocionalmente negligenciada ou usado. Ninguém se sente mal amado e indesejado.
You’re 100% into the other person. There are no hidden insecurities or traumas.

Conveniente

O que é que se passa?

This one is quite similar to the rebound relationship we’ve already discussed. It is also temporary, and one person doesn’t share the same feelings.

However, when you’re dating someone convenientemente, you’re not doing it primarily to get over a person from your past. You’re not necessarily heartbroken or hurt.

In fact, you don’t even have to be extra careful. In this case, you’re not scared of going through the same hell you went through in your past.

Here, you’re with your boyfriend or girlfriend just because you don’t want to be alone. On the other hand, there is no one better around.

Despite all of your attempts, you can’t seem to find your perfect match. You know exactly what you’re looking for, but sadly, you haven’t crossed paths with your dream guy or girl yet.

So, you start dating the first person that comes along. There is no extreme chemistry here, and you certainly don’t plan on spending the rest of your life with them.

But they’re convenient for the moment. They don’t bother you much, they meet some of your basic standards, you like them to a certain extent, and they keep you company.

It’s better than being alone, isn’t it? Especially if all of your friends are taken, and you could use a plus one.

Porque é que é mau?

Well, isn’t it obvious how wrong this is on so many levels?

Let’s start with the fact that you’re dragging someone innocent along. You’ll end up breaking their heart with your little games once you leave them for the person who has everything you want.

But not only that: this is also damaging for you. You’re living a lie, and you’re wasting your time on the wrong person while you could be out there searching for your Mr. or Ms. Right.

Tóxico

O que é que se passa?

You know those relationships where it’s all about the fireworks? You feel like you can’t live without this person, but it’s pretty obvious that you two don’t function well together either.

So, you keep going back and forth. You’ve split up more times than anyone can count, but you always find a way back to each other.

Claro que, pelo caminho, arrasta outras pessoas para a sua confusão. Começa a sair com alguém novo, mas, de alguma forma, acaba sempre com o seu ex.

It’s enough for your loved one to look at you to tear down all of your walls. No matter what happens, your love trumps everything.

At least, that is what you think, isn’t it? This must be love – after all, it’s clear that the two of you are meant to be together.

Well, this couldn’t be further from the truth. This is a relação tóxica you’ll waste years of your life on.

Porque é que é tão apelativo?

It’s in human nature to chase what they can’t have. That is exactly what you two do: you run after each other because you’re both so unattainable.

Even though deep down, you’re sure of your partner’s emotions, you never know their next move. They’re unpredictable, and all of this drama makes you feel more alive.

As much as you hate to hear this, this is anything but healthy. Instead, it’s poisonous, and it will leave severe consequences for your mental health.

Longa distância

O que é que se passa?

Once again, the name says it all: this is the type of relationship where you’re physically apart from your loved one. But the distance doesn’t impact your love, or at least – it shouldn’t.

Of course, it all depends on how far away you live from each other. Most long-distance couples don’t meet as often as they’d like, and most of the time, they rely on technology.

Dura?

A grande questão é saber se as relações à distância acabam por resultar ou não. Bem, tal como em tudo na vida: não existe uma regra e tudo depende.

Antes de mais, é necessário ter um plano. You can’t continue living like this forever, especially if you want to start a family.

Therefore, it’s crucial that you’re both on the same page here.

Quem se vai mudar para onde? Encontrar-se-ão a meio caminho, ou um de vós deixará a sua vida para trás e juntar-se-á à outra pessoa?

O que vai acontecer às vossas carreiras, amigos, passatempos e famílias? Estão realmente preparados para dar este grande passo? Estas são todas as perguntas a que têm de responder antes de efectuarem quaisquer mudanças cruciais.

On the other hand, if you don’t have any concrete plans and don’t talk about the future, what’s the point of your relação à distância? Planeiam ter encontros FaceTime para o resto da eternidade?

Outra coisa que deve esquecer é o ciúme excessivo. Quer queira quer não, o seu parceiro vive do outro lado do país, pelo que não tem outra alternativa senão confiar nele.

Namoro

O que é que se passa?

When you’re dating, you’re out there on the market. You’re looking for your soulmate, and you’re meeting new people during your quest.

You might find your potential dates on a dating app, on social media, or you’re going on blind or speed dates.

But this is not the only definition of dating. There is also an option when you’re dating only one person at a time, but you still don’t call it a relationship.

Onde é que isso pode levar?

Either way, dating is completely harmless under the condition that everyone involved knows what they’re getting themselves into.

You have to be clear that you’re not seeing anyone specific and that you’re not ready to be exclusive just yet.

Also, there is nothing wrong if you don’t feel like dating. You’re allowed to flirt and text with someone, but that doesn’t mean you’re obligated to go on a date with them.

The good thing about being on the dating market is that you get a chance to meet a bunch of new people. You won’t like some of them, but you can always remain friends.

Por outro lado, aumenta significativamente as suas hipóteses de conhecer o único. Don’t be fooled into thinking that real love has to happen – sometimes you need to put effort into finding it.

It’s not always like in the movies, and you won’t necessarily fall in love with a tua pessoa para sempre à primeira vista.

Sometimes, you’ll go out on a few dates, and then you’ll realize that they stand out from everyone else you might be seeing.

Spontaneously, you’ll become exclusive, start a more intimate relationship, and understand that you’re meant for each other. You know, the old fashioned way.

Amigos com benefícios

Como é que isso acontece?

Em poucas palavras, amigos com benefícios is a type of intimate relationship when you’re hooking up with someone who is your friend. It’s more than a casual affair in which everything revolves around physical pleasure.

Você e essa pessoa têm uma ligação profunda. Ela compreende-nos, cuida do nosso bem-estar, ouve-nos e aparece quando precisamos da sua ajuda ou de um ombro amigo.

Para além disso, têm uma química fantástica e dão-se muito bem entre os lençóis. Assim, surge a pergunta lógica: em que é que isto é diferente de uma verdadeira relação e porque é que não são exclusivos?

Bem, antes de mais, este tipo de relações quase nunca é público. Escondem as vossas pequenas aventuras, o que as torna ainda mais bonitas e excitantes.

Also, you two don’t go out on actual dates. There is no jealousy involved, and you’re allowed to meet and date other people. How perfect is that?

Porque é que pode correr mal?

It seems that almost nothing could possibly go wrong here. You get to kiss your best friend whom you’re physically attracted to, but you don’t get the bad sides every romantic relationship brings to the table.

Mas o que é que acontece quando se conhece alguém novo? I know what you’ll say: “we’ll end our little fling.”

Mas será que vão mesmo? Continuarão a conviver como se nada tivesse acontecido, ou um de vós acabará com o coração partido?

Will you be honest with your partner about the romantic history you had with your friend? If the answer is yes, how do you think they’ll take it?

Será que eles não se importam que vocês continuem a ser amigos íntimos? Ou pedir-lhe-ão que se afaste do seu amigo com benefícios? Se assim for, quem é que vais escolher?

Dilemmas, dilemmas, dilemmas. The truth is that it’s quite likely that you’ll find yourself in this situation. And according to relational experts, it will happen sooner than you might think.

Therefore, if you don’t have the answers to all of these questions, I’ll give you a piece of relationship advice: maybe it’s better to stay away from this arrangement.

Outra razão para não o fazer é a sua instabilidade emocional. It’s more likely that you’ll apaixonar-se pelo seu amigo (who you already love in a non-romantical way) than with some stranger you’ve just met.

What happens if one person’s feelings grow, but the other’s don’t? The end of your friendship, that’s right.
Do you want to ruin it forever for a few moments of passion? Of course, you don’t. That’s what I thought.

Aberto

O que é que se passa?

An open relationship doesn’t equal infidelity. When you’re unfaithful in a monogamous relationship, you go behind your partner’s back.

You deceive them into thinking that they’re the only one in your life while you’re actually backstabbing them with your lover.

In an open relationship, all cards are on the table, without anything hidden. You’re both allowed to see other people, to go on dates, or even to sleep with them.

No entanto, aconteça o que acontecer, voltam sempre um para o outro. Por mais estranho que isto possa parecer a alguns, alguns casais gostam realmente deste tipo de romance.

They don’t love each other any less than “regular” couples, and they only see this as a little hobby that keeps the spark alive.

Porque é que é tão mau?

O que é que acontece quando alguém ultrapassa os limites? Numa relação aberta, há sempre um conjunto de regras: uma lista de coisas que são aceitáveis e inaceitáveis.

Mas será que nos conseguimos controlar? Quem são

can guarantee that you won’t fall in love with one of your dates?

Don’t get me wrong: this level of trust is admirable, and not many could stand it. However, things go unplanned in a split second.

Considerações finais

No final do dia, lembre-se que cada romance é uma história de amor única. Estes tipos de relações devem servir como ponto de partida para identificar a sua relação e, com sorte, melhorá-la.

Esqueça o que os outros vão dizer e escolha a opção certa que mais lhe convém.

The only thing that matters is you and your partner’s satisfaction and joy, and nobody else, besides you two have a say in these things.

Also, if you’re intrigued and want to learn more about tipos interessantes de relações, consulte o nosso novo conteúdo sobre o poliamoroso.

Então, de que tipo é que gosta mais?