Final answer:
According to Simmel, the emotional closeness to a parent versus a dentist exemplifies the concept of social distance in our daily lives. Social distance refers to the emotional closeness we feel with individuals based on the level of regular contact we have with them.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Simmel, the difference between how emotionally close you may feel to your parent when compared to how emotionally unclose you may feel to your dentist is an example of how social distance matters in your daily life. Social distance refers to the different levels of emotional closeness we have with people in our various social circles. You are more likely to form close emotional relationships with those you are in regular contact with than with those you see less often.
Your family, due to their continued presence throughout your life and their role in your upbringing, often represents a low level of social distance, resulting in stronger emotional ties. On the other hand, professional relationships, such as the one with your dentist, are typically characterized by a higher degree of social distance and thus, less emotional closeness. As your living situation and social roles change over time, so does your perception of social distance within various relationships.