Stocks, Bonds and Mutual "Fond" Investments

When two people meet for the first time, a connection is made. Whatever happens with this connection depends on how much they invest in a (possible) future.

Let's look at a scale of 0 through 10:

0 - stranger, no possibility of a future relationship

1 - acquaintance, very limited interactions "once every blue moon", little information disclosed

2 - acquaintance, limited interactions, still little information disclosed 

3 - acquaintance, occasional interactions, little information disclosed 

4 - acquaintance, occasional interactions, more information has been disclosed

5 - acquaintance, limited interactions, but both people are past formalities

6 - close acquaintance, limited interactions, but stretched over long term

7 - casual friend, limited interactions, but people are more than well-acquainted

8 - friend, frequent interactions, well-known information disclosed

9 - close friend/lover, interactions are frequent, well-known information disclosed, long term investment

10 - intimate friend/lover, same as #9 with high interdependence 

The scale here builds upon the idea that, over time, relationships can develop into different degrees of intimacy. Conversely, they can disintegrate. What determines this growth and differentiating is investment of interactions. Notice how two people can be "acquaintances" over a long span of time; they choose to have limited interactions despite the amount of time stuck in that category. For example, two people work in the same company in different departments for many years can fall into this category. They see each other occasionally, perhaps even work on a project, but choose to keep their interactions professional and limited in that space. They've gotten to know even some personal details, but it doesn't move past #5-6. Another example- a couple that begins to date and eventually break-up. First, there is a mutual attraction, then a steady growth of frequent interactions (i.e. dating), but as we know, people change. The relationship is marred by outside factors- jealousy, new job, family matters- and disassociation starts. Eventually, as the Goyte song goes, they morph into "somebody I used to know."

Throughout our lives, we choose to invest in certain relationships. Reasons fall all over the map: love (whatever that means), mutual interest, physical attraction, control, teamwork, fear, convenience, familial, financial, loneliness, to name a few. There's a means to an end even if there is no "end." If two people choose to engage in the same activity and enjoy it then there is a good chance they will continue to make future plans (interactions). If you think about your current relationships with others, I'm sure you can recount the reasons why you've chosen to invest in them. It's no coincidence. Relationships fulfill our needs for communication, interaction and belonging. It's a investment that money can't buy, and it can be gainful.

Also reflect relationships that never fully developed or disintegrated. What were those factors? Was it you or the other person who invested less in frequent interactions? Even if there was a conflict, both people would move past it and learn from the mistakes. If someone can't be bothered then that's a clear sign of disinterest in a future (with the other).

If you consider your future, remember that your relationships are part of it. Invest wisely.