More ponderings on things - commitment and relationships

Its time for another post with random questions to discuss, this time about commitments and relationships. The relationship part is aimed at those involving jsut two people but those of you in poly relationships should feel free to re-interpret if appropriate to multiple partners.


1) How does a partner in a relationship differ from a very good friend?

2) Ignoring labels people use for "going out" what defines whether two people are in a relationship or is it purely defined by labels?

3) What does commitment in a relationship mean?

4) What expectations should you have of your partner in a relationship?

5) What expetations do you have of yourself in a relationship?

6) Does being in a relationship change who you are and should it?

7) What do you gain from being in a relationship? (The answer "Sex on tap" and similar are not so much what I'm looking for but if that is it then feel free to just say that).

8) What does marriage mean to you? What does it mean above and beyond an unmarried relationship?


Just a few of the random thoughts I've been having...