Final Answer:
Unlike casual acquaintances or recent party acquaintances, the parent-child relationship involves a deep, enduring bond rooted in familial ties, love, and shared history. This connection stands out as the most meaningful and significant among the given options. The best example of a significant other is c. a parent.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the realm of interpersonal relationships, the term "significant other" typically refers to individuals who hold a deep and meaningful connection in one's life. Among the given options, a parent stands out as the most fitting example of a significant other. Unlike a casual acquaintance (a) or someone met at a party last night (d), a parent embodies a profound and enduring bond. The relationship with a parent involves a long-term connection rooted in familial ties, love, and a shared history.
Parents play a pivotal role in shaping an individual's life, providing emotional support, guidance, and often serving as role models. The depth and longevity of the parent-child relationship surpass those of interactions with a clerk in a department store (b) or a person encountered briefly at a social event. While the other options may involve transient or more superficial connections, the parent-child relationship is characterized by a unique depth of emotional investment and shared experiences.
Therefore, a parent is the best example of a significant other among the given choices.