Has the Facebook relationship status line effectively narrowed the meaning of the word “relationship?”
Dictionary.com defines relationship as:
- a connection, association, or involvement.
- connection between persons by blood or marriage.
- an emotional or other connection between people: the relationship between teachers and students.
- 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.
