Has the Facebook relationship status line effectively narrowed the meaning of the word “relationship?”

Dictionary.com defines relationship as:

1. a connection, association, or involvement.
2. connection between persons by blood or marriage.
3. an emotional or other connection between people: the relationship between teachers and students.
4. a sexual involvement; affair.

However, if I mention the relationship between X & Y in my middle school Math class, half of the class looks confused and the other half snickers under their breath. And I’ll get out loud chuckles or muffled gasps if I mention my long standing relationships with my colleagues or friends.

So, what do you think? Has the meaning of relationship become another synonym for “coupling?” Has it become a word with too much baggage to use for platonic connection? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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