This set of article is a break from my usual cyber security based contents. I decided to write on this topic, observing how different generations look into relationship, or even basic interaction without any form of understanding of what the interaction means and how it affects the potential reaction/response you get from most people.

Relationship - in the context of this article is not tied to any basic nomenclature. It can be as simple as a Linkedin connection, a childhood friendship or as deep as a family/blood related bond. Without going into the nuance of each type of relationship, this article looks into a simple naturalistic example of types of relationship, the interdependencies and how this relationship is viewed from the lense of self, as well as lense of a third party.

I took the inspiration from nature to write this article. Nature, its in vast wisdom, sees this in play on a daily basis. We are, after all, part and parcel of nature which embodies every living organism. So without any tease any further, lets get to the model.

Firstly the symbiotic relationship. The symbiotic relationship is the best relationship. In a symbiotic relationship, each being benefits from each other.

A 2019 study showed that, as predicted by their role as lookouts, the goby - in this case the fierce shrimpgoby (Ctenogobiops feroculus) - was always first to venture outside. It seems that the shrimp's decision to leave the safety of its home only begins once its partner has exited the burrow.

The shrimps are also thought to benefit from their relationship with the fish through an increase in food, such as the fish's faeces or any parasites on its body.

In this instance, both living beings benefit from each other, mutually and individually.

Second type of relationship is commensalism. In this type of relationship, one being benefits while the other stays unaffected.

In the wild example is the relationship between a barnacle and a whale. The existence of the barnacle does not affect the whale in any way, but the barnacle depends on the whale for its food and shelter.

Third type of relationship is parasitic. Parasitic relationship is when one being depends on the other, completely consuming the other in the process. The host, which "hosts" the parasite, becomes a losing party and in some cases cease to exist as its own resources are consumed by the parasite.

A tick may jump onto a dog, consuming its blood and speading disease. Unchecked, the dog eventually dies as a result.

Human relationship?

Looking at the 3 examples, you'd see in real life, how human relationships can fall into this 3 broad categories.

A person with healthy relationships tends to have more symbiotic relationships and engages in quality interaction and productive relationships.

A person who may be successful at taking the "step-ladder" approach may be a the top, but is often alone, with no one to talk to.

The key to having healthy relationship is to identify type of relationship and how one is able to identify tell tales of a negative relationship. Not all relationship starts of as symbiotic, as human relationships aren't binary in nature. The dynamic nature of human interaction, the individual experiences and the current situation changes the perception and the way people see and act. To expect immediate result in a relationship is means of leading to a parasitic relationship. It takes time and trust to nurture human interactions so as for it to be meaningful.

Remember that nothing is cast in stone, relationships are equally dynamic. One has to assess and determine the worthiness of a relationship, whether its a short term or a long term one.