Family relationships often become cooler than they were in the beginning. There are many reasons for this: partners lose interest in each other or are disappointed, but still do not disagree. Such relationships are called formal.
Formal relationships can be viewed in many ways. On the one hand, it is a synonym for official relations; it is used to describe a partnership between several people, enshrined in some kind of framework and rules. For example, in the workplace, you need to adhere to a formal relationship. A counterbalance to them will be informal relationships, which should, on the contrary, be avoided at work, especially when communicating between managers and subordinates. However, formal relationships have a completely different kind in family life.
Formal relationships in family life
In addition to the fact that family relationships become documented, the term "formal relationship" in family life is considered in the aspect of the absence of any feelings. In this case, the relationship between the two partners exists, the marriage is officially confirmed, but in fact, love between husband and wife has been gone for a long time. They live together just formally, perhaps raising children together or living side by side just out of habit. Such a relationship has not existed for a long time as a union of two loving hearts, most likely, they do not even carry respect or trust in each other.
There is another type of formal relationship: when one of the spouses considers the system and order to be the highest form of showing respect for a partner. In such a family, there is a strict hierarchy; children are required to obey their parents without question, and from the wife, obedience to her husband. Everyone in such a family has their own role and kind of responsibilities that should be fulfilled. Each family member is assigned the behavior that he must follow. Formality and adherence to rules and traditions becomes the main goal of such relations. Of course, there is no talk of warmth and mutual understanding, joint fun get-togethers and loving attitude in such families.
How to avoid formal family relationships
You should not be too strict with household members and transfer attitude towards them from another area of life. They are not subordinates, but loving people, the most dear to each other, so in the family you need to allow them to be who they are. It is worth looking at the family from a different angle: it does not have to be perfect, it is enough that parents and children can tell each other about their joys and experiences, discuss interesting events, spend time together and with pleasure. It is very important that all family members can speak up and know that they can be listened to and accepted. It is good if parents trust their children, take an interest in their life and success, and let them take part in family councils. This will build trust in the family, make it stronger, and make the relationship less formal.
