Relationship forming

Relationship forming focuses on the decision-making process leading to a relationship. It therefore differs from relationship therapy which focuses on improving an existing relationship.^[1] Put differently, relationship forming is about "making the right choice", while relationship therapy is about "making the choice work". Discontent at failure to achieve such a relationship is on occasion referred to as TFL (true forced loneliness); although some TFLers may have life satisfaction despite not forming a relationship.^[2]

Summary of differences

• Therapy is typically studied and written on by therapists, while relationship forming is studied and written on by intermediaries.
• Therapy has a reactive approach and tries to solve an existing problem, relationship forming has a proactive approach and tries to prevent future problems.
• Therapy focuses on couples that are often in their 30s to 50s, while relationship forming focused on singles who are often younger.

See also

• Interpersonal communication relationship dissolution
• Relationship maintenance
• Socionics