Final answer:
The best type of relationship mentioned in the statement is romantic and friendly, aligning with Sternberg's consummate love, which encompasses intimacy, passion, and commitment. Proximity plays a significant role in relationship formation, and communication is key to creating attachment in relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "The best relationship is where you can be lovers and best friends at the same time" refers to a type of relationship that is both romantic and friendly. In terms of Sternberg's triangular theory of love, a relationship that combines these aspects would likely include intimacy, passion, and a form of commitment, akin to consummate love. Proximity is noted as an influential factor in forming relationships, suggesting that the people we see and interact with regularly are those with whom we're more likely to develop bonds. Whether building a friendship or a romantic bond, we tend to look for positive qualities in others, such as goodness or virtue, as described by Aristotle in his concept of perfect friendship. Regarding how relationships have evolved over time, constant communication, even via messaging, has been shown to increase attachment, though the quality of the relationships might be seen as weaker when not supported by face-to-face or voice conversations.