We've seen what friction does to rocks---how does that relate to interpersonal relationships?

Question

I got this question while hearing today's (July 21, '08), Family Life broadcast---it

features an interview with Rich Rollins.

You can find it at:

familylife.com

Answer 1

friction suggests rough and rough hitting each other.  the result need not necessarily lead to smoothness.   rocks are rocks. human r human.  in human context - violence begets violence. hence friction will necessarily lead to more friction unless one or both party realized the damage / danger it can cause.  with our new modern lifestlyle,  friction is not the starting point.  its mindfulness, care, concern etc that starts a relationship and if we dont work at it - it will simply evaporate.  it takes effort to make a rel-ship work.  not easy.  hence there is a degree of selflessness involved.  equality / equity must also be within that rel-ship.  eg - women cannot be treated with subservience.  men hv to change their mindset about women, their role and their gender.  women are to be treated as an equal partner.  just like the two wings of a bird - both must be equally strong to fly.

Answer 2

I don't really like that comparison.  

Friction takes away the rough edges from rocks and makes them smooth.  I'd say over time friction usually does the opposite to relationships.

A better comparison might be the friction between tectonic plates.  Friction between tectonic plates causes earthquakes.  Sometimes these earthquakes can lead to new land formations (mountains).  Other times, they lead to land breaking apart and moving away.  

In relationships, friction can cause people to get closer together and stronger (like a mountain).  Or it can cause the relationship to split apart - also like tectonic plates.