21st Century Relationship Paradigm

The 21st Century Relationship Paradigm is a model similar to the Triangular theory of love, theorized by scriptwriter and internet philosopher Luke Zhang. The most notable difference to Sternberg's model is the Utility Index. This model uses three circles to describe the three fundamental aspects of a relationship, this includes the Physical, Logical, and Emotional.
The first level of this paradigm encapsulates just one of the fundamental aspects of a relationship, and these categories tends to be the least intimate. The three categories include Platonic Friend, Romantic Partner, and Service Provider.
*Platonic Friend Today when people refer to Platonic friendship, they are referring to a friendship without romantic interest or sexual intimacy. Platonic friends are usually together because they share similar interests, tend to think the same way and fulfill each others intellectual needs.
*Romantic Partner This refers to relationships where two people satisfy each others emotional needs only. Both parties are seeking validation, or affection. This type relationship is common in early stage dating.
*Service Provider This refers to relationships where two people satisfy each others physical needs only, term coined from the escort/client type relationship.
The second level of this paradigm includes closer relationships that encapsulate two fundamental aspects. These categories include Spouse, Lover, and Twilight.
*Spouse Many marriages find themselves in this category once the romance cools off. They are still able to stimulate each other physically and intellectually, but they lack the time, energy or interest to keep the romantic flame burning.
*Lover Most affairs fall within this category to fill in the romantic hole missing in most marriages, see Spouse.
*Twilight This is an unusual category, refers to asexual couples that have a close relationship but without any of the physical aspects.
The inner level of this paradigm is known as Soul mate, which is similar to Sternberg's Consummate Love which is the complete form of love, representing an ideal relationship toward which people strive. These relationships will continue to have great sex fifteen years or more into the relationship, they cannot imagine themselves happier over the long-term with anyone else, they overcome their few difficulties gracefully, and each delight in the relationship with one other.

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