At what point are you officially in a relationship?

A friend of mine had posed the question: At what point are you officially in a relationship?

Dictionary.com defines a 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.

For me, a relationship is when two people actively stay involved in each others life. As long as you are taking the time to make them a part of your world and they are doing the same for you, then this is a real relationship. It always has to be that constant give and take or your relationship is not real.

Too many times have I known 2 people who are in a "relationship". She says they are dating and he says they are just talking. He says they're exclusive and she says they are just sex buddies. Although these are relationships in the loosest sense, they are not healthy relationships to pursue.

When someone feels the need to shut you out of their life for any amount of time, you need to realize that you are in a sticky situation. When you like someone, no matter what is going on in your life, you make time for that person. If they can't do the same for you, then chances are they mean more to you than you mean to them and you need to get out!!!!

But in a world so quick to define every relationship we have, why not step back for a second and just enjoy the time you have together. Instead of putting a label on the type of relationship you have, just have it. Even if it doesn't last, at least you will have had a great time with a great person.

Besides, we all know it's not really a relationship until it's posted on Facebook.

-CAC