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Whether they are with a partner, family members, close friends or colleagues, long-term relationships are all maintained in distinct ways. If you know someone long enough, you discover what you mean to each other and what you enjoy doing together.
Physical distance is a factor that significantly complicates relationships, and recent research from Oxford University reveals that the key to maintaining these kinds of relationships may be different for women and men.
The report, which studied students leaving home for the first time, found that for female friendships, long phone conversations was enough to counterbalance the physical distance. Men’s relationships, on the other hand, necessitate in-person interactions such as playing basketball or going out for a drink. The study found that talking on the phone had no effect on relationships between men.
Lead researcher Professor Robin Dunbar stated that the findings demonstrate women have more intense relationships, at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Boston.
Dunbar went on to affirm that men have more casual relationships, “With guys it is out of sight out of mind. They just find four more guys to go drinking with.”
Today’s technology allows you to easily communicate with people almost as quickly over email or text as on a phone call. For women, however, the phone call has not been replaced by other forms of communication.
“As a woman, I like to hear the passion in your voice and feel your excitement, that’s why I love catching up on the phone” stated Desirée Patno, NAWRB CEO and President. “If I can’t see you face-to-face a text message doesn’t give me the same feeling; I prefer speaking to you. What most of my long-term friendships have in common is phone conversations, it’s how I’ve been able to remain connected to people throughout my life even when we don’t have the time or convenience of seeing one another.”
Maintaining relationships is crucial in all aspects of our lives, from our home life to our workplace. It is important to know what your relationships need and make an effort.
Do these findings ring true for you? What is your preferred way of staying in touch with friends or family?