Final answer:
Intimate relationships are characterized by intimacy, passion, and commitment, which differ from non-intimate relationships that may lack one of these elements. Various factors contribute to the maintenance of relationships, including proximity, similarity, reciprocity, and self-disclosure. These components and their mix signify the diverse nature of human connections across different life stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Intimate relationships are distinguished from non-intimate ones through the presence of intimacy, passion, and commitment, aspects that combine to form what Robert Sternberg calls consummate love. Intimacy involves a deep sense of connection and the sharing of personal thoughts and emotions. Passion refers to physical attraction and sexual chemistry, while commitment represents the decision to maintain the relationship over time. On the other hand, non-intimate relationships may lack one or more of these components. For instance, a purely platonic friendship often contains intimacy and commitment but without the element of passion that characterizes romantic relationships.
Love and relationships evolve across different life stages. During adolescence, individuals begin to explore romantic relationships, often driven by passion. By contrast, in early adulthood, there is a focus on forming deeper intimate bonds, which correlates with Erikson's stage of intimacy versus isolation. Across various forms of relationships, from friendships to family bonds and romantic partnerships, the mix of intimacy, passion, and commitment changes, reflecting the nature of these diverse connections.
In terms of relationship maintenance, factors like proximity, similarity, reciprocity, and self-disclosure are crucial. Proximity encourages the formation of relationships due to frequent contact, while similarity and reciprocated feelings foster a deeper connection. Self-disclosure, or the sharing of personal information, is vital for intimacy and is a core element distinguishing intimate from non-intimate relationships.